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Dr. Tamer Abu Jreis, Dr. Amit Korach, Prof. Ronen Beeri, Director of the Echocardiography Unit, Dr. David Planer, Dr. Gabby Elbaz-Greener

A First in Israel: Unique Cardiac Valve Transplant Procedure

A few weeks ago, a 76-year-old patient in severe cardiac shock arrived at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, with a history of critical stenosis of the aortic valve.

The patient suffered from a severe vascular disease that made it impossible to use the accepted approach through the groin artery and the alternative approaches were disqualified due to anatomical limitations and previous bypass surgery. Dr. David Planer, Director of the Catheterization Department at Hadassah Ein Kerem explains: "Until two decades ago, access to patients who required an aortic valve replacement was a surgical approach that involved opening the chest and a long and difficult recovery.

The patient who came to us urgently needed a valve transplant and no accepted and common options were suitable for him due to various diseases from which he suffered. The case presented us with a real challenge and we realized that we had to think outside the box in order to save his life."

The physicians decided to implant the valve using a unique approach through the cervical artery (carotid artery), a procedure that has never before been performed in Israel.

In a collaborative effort between Dr. David Planer, Dr. Gabby Elbaz-Greener, Dr. Amit Korach, Prof. Ronen Beeri, Director of the Echocardiography Unit and a Senior Anesthesiologist, and Dr. Tamer Abu Jreis, the valve was successfully replaced with this unique catheterization approach.

Dr. Planer said, “Thankfully, the operation went smoothly, without complications, and we are proud to be the first team in Israel to carry it out and pave the way for an additional therapeutic option for these seriously ill patients. The patient was discharged to rehabilitation and we wish him a full recovery." (INN/ VFI News)

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise. - Jeremiah 17:14