Arrhythmia – is any deviation from the normal sequence of electrical impulses of the heart. While electrical impulses may occur too fast, too slow, or uneven – causing the heart to beat too fast, too slow or irregular. When the heart does not beat properly, it can not pump blood efficiently. When inefficient pumping of blood, lungs, brain and all other organs can not work properly, which could lead to breach of their functions.
The reason is the emergence of arrhythmia abnormal areas of the heart, cells which produce disorganized electrical signals that cause irregular or fast heartbeat. As a result a person feels weakness and shortness of breath and feeling that the heart is “pounding furiously.”
In Israel arrhythmia amenable to successful treatment due to the qualification and vast experience of our physicians and advanced technologies.
We recommend a narrow-profile doctors to treat our patients, which makes the treatment as effective as possible and helps to improve their quality of life.
We cooperate with the leading Israeli doctors – cardiac electrophysiologists, who are the heads of the departments of cardiac surgery – electrophysiology, leading arrhythmologists with many years of experience in treating arrhythmias and performing the most advanced types of heart surgery to treat heart rhythm disorders.
Our doctors specialize in treating the following types of cardiac arrhythmias:
- Atrial fibrillation – irregular atrial contraction
- Bradycardia – slow heart rate
- Conduction disturbances of the heart – disruption of the heart, irregular heartbeat
- Premature reduction – early heart rate
- Tachycardia – a very fast heart rate
- Ventricular fibrillation – a disorganized ventricular heart beat.
If you or any of your relatives were diagnosed with one of the diseases, please contact us.
We will provide you with examination program focused on your problem, according to which, you will clearly understand before coming to Israel, when you will have an appointment with leading doctor and what procedure will be carried out for you.
Arrhythmia diagnosis
According to doctor’s instruction some of these tests will be needed for treatment decision:
- Electrocardiography (ECG)
- Holter monitoring (continuous ambulatory ECG monitor)
- ECG stress test
- Trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE)
- Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)
- Echocardiography (ECHO)
- Consultation by electrophysiologist
Modern methods of arrhythmia management in Israel
Method of arrhythmia appointed by an experienced doctor on the results of diagnosis. In case of cardiac arrhythmia is significant may be considered one of the following treatment options.
Heart Ablation – Transcatheter Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) and Cryoablation in Israel
Radiofrequency cardic ablation CARTO
The procedure is used to treat some types of rapid heart beat such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and atrial tachycardia. Most often this method is used for the treatment of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, which means fast, inconsistent heartbeat, starting with the upper heart chambers (atria) or middle region (atrio – ventricular node, or the beginning of the heart’s electrical system).
⇒ More details about cardiac ablation in Israel
Before the procedure you must refrain from eating for 12 hours.
Radiofrequency ablation is performed by electrophysiologist surgeon, the team with assistants, nurses and technicians. You will be awake during the entire procedure. After administration of local anesthesia doctor inserts a catheter into the femoral vein, and carries it to the heart. In order to find the abnormal tissue small electrical pulse will be sent through the electrode catheter. This activates the abnormal tissue, which causes arrhythmia. Meanwhile, other catheters record cardiac electrical signals to determine the abnormal areas. Having identified this place surgeon inserts a catheter into it exactly. Then this section is processed with soft, painless radiofrequency energy (similar to microwave heat). The next step is to identify other abnormal areas and their destruction.
After the procedure you will be placed in the recovery room. The port set in the femoral vein while still remains therein. During this period it is necessary to remain in a supine position. After removal of the port from the artery doctor will examine you, carefully check the heartbeat and vital signs (pulse and blood pressure).
Typically after 24 hours the you can leave the hospital. Before that you will certainly receive written instructions on what to do at home.
This procedure has a 90% success in the treatment, causes low risk of complications, and you can return to normal activities within a few days.
Defibrillation
Defibrillation is a process, wherein the electronic device delivers electrical current to portions of the heart. This helps to restore normal heart rhythm.
Such a device can be implanted (pacemaker) or portable (external).
Defibrillator (pacemaker) is a device implanted under the skin of the patient often just below the collarbone and working on batteries. This device monitors your heart rate. It is connected by thin wires to the heart. During cardiac arrhythmias, defibrillator detects it and instantly delivers electric current to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat. Defibrillator is available 24 hours a day.
⇒ More details about pacemaker implantation in Israel
In general, a pacemaker is indicated in patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest for the following reasons:
- Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Myocardial ischemia ( insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle)
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Patient survived after sudden cardiac arrest
- Long QT syndrome
- Brugada syndrome
- Congenital heart disease or other conditions for sudden cardiac arrest
