Israeli medicine employs a comprehensive range of modern high-tech solutions for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. One such solution is radiofrequency treatment – radiofrequency catheter ablation, performed for the therapy of arrhythmias.
Radiofrequency catheter ablation at Top Ihilov clinic allows for the treatment of various, including quite severe forms of arrhythmia. The procedure is performed using modern equipment and takes no more than 40-50 minutes.
Use of Radiofrequency Ablation for Treating Cardiac Pathologies at Top Ihilov Center
From a technical standpoint, radiofrequency ablation represents a kind of "cauterization" of specific points in the heart's electrical conduction system, the malfunctioning of which leads to the occurrence of pathologies such as atrial fibrillation, various forms of tachycardia, and other types of cardiac arrhythmia.
The human heart has its own mechanisms for generating electrical impulses that cause the heart muscle to contract. Therefore, any impact on certain areas leads to changes in the electrical signal conduction system and can alter the heart rhythm. The idea of impacting arrhythmogenic areas of the heart to treat arrhythmia was first proposed in the late 1980s by American cardiac surgeon James Cox. Cox performed a series of surgical incisions in the atria, which resulted in the disappearance of arrhythmia symptoms in his patients.
Later, surgical intervention on the heart was replaced by radiofrequency methods, and instead of open surgery, minimally invasive procedures using catheters were performed. The modern ablation technology involves introducing a catheter equipped with a radiofrequency electrode through a large blood vessel into the patient. By applying electrical current to the atrial areas, Israeli doctors correct the heart's contraction rhythm and thus treat arrhythmia. This type of ablation is called radiofrequency because a medium-frequency alternating current with a frequency of 300-500 kHz, characteristic of medium radio waves (one of the most popular broadcasting ranges), is used for "cauterization" of specific points on the heart in the ablation electrode.
The main advantage of radiofrequency ablation compared to conventional low-frequency electrical ablation is that the former does not exert a direct stimulating effect on the nerves and muscle tissues of the heart. Consequently, treatment can be performed under local anesthesia, without the need to put the patient under general anesthesia.
Before performing radiofrequency ablation, heart mapping is conducted – through electrophysiological study, doctors examine the heart and determine which areas have abnormal electrical activity. These areas are selected for "cauterization" with radiofrequency electrical current.
As part of the medication preparation, a tranquilizer is used – so that the patient can calmly and relaxedly undergo the procedure. Then, after preliminary local anesthesia, a catheter with an electrode is introduced into a large vein or artery, which is guided to the heart under fluoroscopic control and applies radiofrequency electrical impulses to its arrhythmogenic areas (areas with abnormal electrical activity). After the ablation is completed, another electrophysiological study of the heart is conducted to ensure that its parameters are normal. Just 10-12 hours after the procedure, the puncture sites heal, and the patient is allowed to get out of bed.
Today, radiofrequency catheter ablation has become a common method for treating various types of arrhythmia. Many thousands of patients have been able to regain their health thanks to the efforts and professionalism of Israeli cardiac surgeons. Radiofrequency cardiology treatment in Israel receives only positive feedback from foreign patients. One of the most well-known individuals who underwent this procedure is former British Prime Minister Tony Blair (the operation was performed in 2004).
Another promising direction for radiofrequency catheter ablation may be the treatment of therapy-resistant arterial hypertension. More than 1 billion people worldwide suffer from high blood pressure. Today, Israeli doctors are conducting research that will allow these individuals to regain their health. Radiofrequency catheter denervation of nerve endings in the renal arteries may, in some cases, serve as a very effective method for eliminating hypertension.
Radiofrequency Cardiology Treatment in Israel – Prices
Radiofrequency cardiology treatment in Israel is priced accessibly for patients of any income level. The most expensive radiofrequency ablation procedures are traditionally found in clinics in the United States, Italy, France, and Germany. In Israeli clinics, catheter ablation costs 40-50% less.
Radiofrequency cardiology treatment in Israel receives only positive reviews from foreign patients coming to our country. On one hand, patients positively comment on the high skill of Israeli specialists, and on the other – on the democratic prices for medical services.
Advantages of Radiofrequency Arrhythmia Treatment at Top Ihilov Center
- Radiofrequency ablation is a very effective method for treating arrhythmia. According to statistics, 19 out of 20 patients with tachycardia never experience disease-related symptoms again after undergoing this procedure. At Top Ihilov Center, this procedure is performed by experienced cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, whose professionalism and successful clinical practice eliminate the possibility of even the slightest complications after the operation.
- Our medical center uses modern and reliable equipment for radiofrequency ablation. The search for areas of the heart with abnormal electrical activity is conducted with maximum precision, ensuring the expected therapeutic effect. In some cases, computerized systems are used to reduce the radiation exposure to the patient during the procedure and to mark the points on the heart that were affected.
- The cardiology department of the clinic has cozy rooms where our patients feel as comfortable as possible, like in a home environment.
- The price difference with global centers favorably distinguishes Israeli medicine. This difference is exclusively in pricing policy, but not in the quality and effectiveness of medical services.
- From the very first day of their stay in the country, patients are accompanied by a curator-translator, who is responsible not only for translating all medical documentation but also for establishing interaction with doctors, organizing diagnostic and therapeutic activities, and solving everyday issues.