Professor Yehuda WolfVascular surgeon, specialist in endovascular surgery and carotid stenting
Medical tourism in Israel attracts more and more patients every year due to the high level of medical services and innovative treatment methods used in the leading clinics of the country, such as Ichilov. The specialists at the clinic are renowned for their professionalism and ability to utilize cutting-edge technologies for diagnosis and therapy, making their approach to each patient as precise and effective as possible.
Many patients come to Israel for the treatment of peripheral artery diseases, knowing that their case will be thoroughly studied collegially, involving the best doctors from various fields. In addition, Ichilov clinic offers excellent accommodation conditions, creating a comfortable environment for recovery and rapid rehabilitation.
About the Disease
Peripheral artery diseases (PAD) are a condition in which the arteries supplying blood to the limbs (especially the legs) narrow or become blocked due to atherosclerosis, reducing blood flow to the muscles and tissues.
Causes
- Accumulation of cholesterol and plaques on the artery walls (atherosclerosis).
- Smoking.
- High cholesterol levels.
- Arterial hypertension.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
Symptoms
- Pain or cramps in the legs when walking (intermittent claudication).
- Feeling of weakness or fatigue in the limbs.
- Coldness in the affected leg or arm.
- Poor healing of wounds on the legs or feet.
- Changes in skin color on the legs (bluish or pale).
Treatment Methods for Peripheral Artery Diseases

Treatment methods are selected individually based on the degree of artery narrowing, the overall condition of the patient, and the presence of comorbidities. The team of specialists carefully evaluates diagnostic data to choose the most effective and safe treatment method.
Conservative Therapy
At Ichilov clinic, conservative therapy for peripheral artery diseases is applied in the early stages when the narrowing of the arteries has not yet reached a critical degree. This method includes modern medications, lifestyle changes, and control of key risk factors such as smoking and high cholesterol levels. Properly selected therapy slows the progression of the disease, effectively alleviates symptoms, and ensures a high level of patient care at every stage of therapy.
Angioplasty and Stenting
Angioplasty is used in cases of significant artery narrowing to restore blood flow. The procedure involves expanding the narrowed section of the artery using a special balloon, followed by the placement of a stent to maintain its patency. This method provides immediate improvement in blood supply and reduction of pain when walking.
Laser Angioplasty
In cases of severe artery narrowing, standard balloon angioplasty may be insufficiently effective. The procedure involves using a laser to break down atherosclerotic plaques and expand the lumen of the artery. Laser angioplasty helps improve blood circulation and reduce symptoms.
Bypass Surgery
Bypass surgery is used in severe cases when blood supply to the limb is significantly impaired. During the operation, a detour for blood is created, bypassing the blocked artery. Bypass surgery restores normal blood flow and prevents complications such as gangrene.
Endarterectomy
This method is used to remove atherosclerotic plaques from the arteries. The operation is performed in cases of significant plaque accumulation when other methods are ineffective. Endarterectomy allows for the complete removal of the artery blockage and improves blood flow.
Thrombolysis
This method is used in acute thrombosis when the artery is blocked by a thrombus. A drug is introduced through a catheter that dissolves the thrombus and restores blood flow. Thrombolysis allows for avoiding surgical intervention and quickly eliminating the blockage.
Artery Prosthesis
This is used in cases where the artery is severely damaged and cannot be restored. During the operation, part of the affected artery is replaced with an artificial prosthesis, which restores blood flow. Prosthesis prevents further complications such as tissue necrosis.
Medical Procedures
- Carotid Endarterectomy
- Coronary Angioplasty, Stenting
- Heart Bypass Surgery in Israel
- Endarterectomy at the Top Ichilov Medical Center, Israel
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
Diagnosis at the clinic is carried out using advanced technologies, ensuring high accuracy in determining the stage of the disease and the condition of the arteries. A correct diagnosis is key to successful treatment, as only based on accurate data can an optimal therapeutic plan be tailored to the patient's specific needs.
First Day
Upon arrival at the clinic, the patient meets with the attending physician, who conducts an initial consultation. The doctor collects a detailed medical history, clarifying the medical history, habits, and risk factors, then performs a physical examination, assessing the condition of blood circulation in the limbs. Based on the examination results, the specialist provides recommendations for necessary studies that will help to see the full picture of the disease and determine the degree of artery damage.
Second Day
The second day includes a full range of laboratory and instrumental studies:
- Blood tests (general and biochemical, including lipid profile).
- Doppler ultrasound of the vessels.
- Angiography of the vessels.
- MRI of the arteries with contrast.
- CT of the arteries.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG).
- Stress test to assess the functional state of the vessels.
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI).
- Glucose level test to assess for diabetes mellitus.
Third Day
On the third day, doctors develop an individual therapeutic plan. Specialists from various fields participate in its development: vascular surgeons, cardiologists, endocrinologists, and radiologists. A multidisciplinary approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition and the selection of the optimal treatment method, which is especially important in the presence of comorbidities. All aspects of the patient's health are considered from different perspectives, increasing the chances of successful recovery.
- Computed Tomography
- Electrocardiography and Dopplerography
- Blood Biochemistry
How Much Does Treatment Cost in Israel
The cost of treatment for peripheral artery diseases depends on the type of disease, its stage, the chosen therapy method, the volume of necessary diagnostic studies, and the overall condition of the patient. To obtain an accurate cost estimate for a specific case, a free individual consultation is necessary. To learn more and schedule a consultation, you can call the phone number listed on the clinic's website.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- The most modern methods of diagnosis and therapy.
- Strictly individual approach to each patient.
- International level of specialist qualifications.
- Multidisciplinary case discussions.
- Comfortable conditions for patients and rehabilitation.
Do not ignore the symptoms! Even before arriving at the clinic, you can get a consultation with a specialist via Skype or Zoom by providing examination results to receive recommendations and learn about optimal treatment methods.