Atrial Fibrillation Treatment in Israel

Signs & Symptoms

The term atrial fibrillation describes irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), caused by quivering of the atria. People suffering from the condition are at high risk of developing blood clots or suffering stroke and heart failure. If you are experiencing palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, spells of dizziness, excessive sweating and fatigue you might have AF and should seek treatment as soon as possible. According to statistics, an RF ablation will stop the Afibs in 85 to 90 per cent of cases. However, those 10-15 per cent of patients in whom the problem recurs will require open-heart ablation.

Work-up

The Atrial Fibrillation Treatment in Israel program includes the following investigations:

• Routine blood workup (CBC, CMP, lipid profile, coagulation factors, electrolyte levels)
• Stress echocardiography
• 24-Hour Holter Monitoring
• Cardiologist exam

If an aneurysm or mural thrombus are suspected a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) will also be scheduled.

The investigations are performed at Assuta Hospital Tel Aviv and take 4 business days to complete.

The workup results will determine whether the AF can be managed with medicinal therapy (which will be prescribed by the cardiologist following the consultation) or whether radiofrequency ablation (removal/melting away of an unwanted structure or tissue) of AF is required.

Radiofreqeuncy AF Ablation Cost

AF ablation will take place at Assuta in Tel Aviv. Its cost will depend on the method employed.

Standard Ablation

• Operative procedure and 1 day of hospitalization

• Disposable surgical materials and equipment

Advanced Ablation

• Operative procedure and 2 days of hospitalization

• Disposable surgical materials and equipment

You will be able to travel home 5 days after the procedure.

The manipulation is performed by the head of the Arrhythmia Department at one of Israel’s top medical centers (Assuta, Ichilov or Tel HaShomer).

Risk Factors

AF risk factors include: IHD, hypertension, heart failure, heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy, inflammatory heart diseases (such as pericarditis or myocarditis) and cardiac tumours.