Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Bella Koifman
36 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Valvuloplasty | ≈ $24,000 | from $8,000 | ≈ $16,500 |
| Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) | ≈ $38,000 | from $19,000 | ≈ $28,000 |
| Replacement of the aortic valve | ≈ $32,500 | from $13,100 | ≈ $32,000 |
| Plastic surgery for cardiac valve | ≈ $38,000 | from $11,000 | ≈ $28,000 |
| Pediatric Aortic Valve Replacement | ≈ $38,000 | from $12,000 | ≈ $38,000 |
Dr. Amir leads the Structural Heart Disease Service at Tel Aviv Medical Center, specializing in aortic valve interventions.
Dr. Pevni developed a unique method for replacing heart valves on a working heart, enhancing cardiac surgery at Sourasky Medical Center.
Leading cardiac surgeon at Sourasky Medical Center, specializing in minimally invasive cardiac surgery and cardiac rehabilitation.
Dr. Sami Viskin, a highly-rated cardiologist, specializes in complex cardiac conditions and has co-authored 152 peer-reviewed articles.
Treatment for severe aortic insufficiency in Israel centers on surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and advanced valve repair. Specialist heart teams at JCI-accredited centers utilize minimally invasive thoracoscopy to reduce recovery times. High-risk patients may receive transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) via catheter-based delivery.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While TAVI is famous for aortic stenosis, Israeli specialists like Dr. Finkelshtein at Sourasky Medical Center have successfully adapted these catheter-based techniques for pure aortic insufficiency. This is a crucial alternative for patients who cannot undergo open surgery. Additionally, experts like Prof. Pevni have developed protocols for replacing valves on a working heart, which can simplify recovery for complex cases.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the trade-offs between mechanical valves requiring lifelong blood thinners and bioprosthetic tissue valves that may need replacement after 10–15 years. Many also note that regular echocardiograms are essential to catch left ventricular changes before symptoms become severe.
Israeli cardiovascular centers treat aortic insufficiency with TAVI/TAVR for high-risk patients. JCI-accredited facilities like Sourasky and Hadassah use transcatheter techniques when open surgery is unsafe. Specialized teams employ advanced imaging to manage valve anchoring in non-calcified cases.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While TAVI is common for aortic stenosis, treating pure insufficiency in Israel often involves off-label use of specialized valves. Dr. Finkelshtein Arik at Sourasky has recorded over 100 successful catheterizations using new replacement technologies. Patients should seek `Heart Teams` where interventionalists and surgeons collaborate, as these teams manage the higher migration risk associated with non-calcified valves.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that TAVI significantly improves quality of life compared to medication alone. Many emphasize the need to confirm the surgeon's specific experience with regurgitation cases rather than just standard stenosis procedures.
Top Israeli hospitals for aortic valve procedures include Sourasky Medical Center, Assuta Medical Center, and Hadassah Medical Center. Specialized teams perform advanced transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and minimally invasive replacements. These JCI-accredited facilities utilize pioneering beating-heart techniques and complex valve reconstructions for international patients.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Patient volume at Israeli university hospitals is a major quality signal. Hadassah Medical Center serves 1,000,000 patients annually and performs over 40,000 surgeries. This massive clinical exposure allows surgeons like Dr. Aleksandr Lipey-Diamant to handle extreme anatomical challenges. For aortic valve insufficiency, this high-volume expertise often translates into more options for valve repair rather than full replacement.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize finding a surgeon with a high personal volume of valve procedures rather than choosing based on the hospital brand alone. Many report that seeking a second opinion from Israeli specialists provided clearer guidance on choosing between TAVI and open-heart surgery.
Leading cardiac valve specialists in Israel include globally recognized surgeons like Dr. Dimitry Pevni and Dr. Kramer Amir at Sourasky Medical Center. These experts specialize in advanced aortic valve replacement and minimally invasive TAVI/TAVR procedures within JCI-accredited facilities to ensure high survival rates.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many seek high-volume public hospitals, private options like Assuta Medical Center offer a distinct advantage. Their model allows patients to choose their specific attending physician and surgeon. This is particularly valuable when seeking specialists like Dr. Kramer Amir, who maintains dual affiliations across major Tel Aviv centers.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that surgeon caseload and specialization are vital, often seeking 2–3 independent evaluations before surgery. They prioritize doctors who provide clear guidance on choosing between mechanical and bioprosthetic valves based on lifestyle needs.
International patient packages in Israel provide comprehensive medical coordination and logistical support for heart valve procedures. These bundles typically include pre-operative consultations, surgical fees, and personalized navigation. Dedicated coordinators assist with medical visa letters, local accommodation bookings, and essential language services for foreign patients.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many expect full coverage, standard Israeli packages often focus on clinical costs. Leading centers like Sourasky Medical Center serve over 1,800,000 patients annually. They prioritize surgical precision over luxury extras. Most packages include hospital stay but leave hotel stays for family and post-discharge recovery as separate expenses. Checking if your coordinator includes VIP airport transfers can save significant local transit stress.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the need to clarify if post-operative medications and follow-up imaging are included. Costs for wound checks or readmission for minor complications often fall outside the initial quote.
Patients typically require 10 to 21 days in Israel for aortic valve treatment. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) usually requires a 10-day stay. Traditional open-heart surgery requires approximately 21 days. These windows ensure safe recovery and clearance for flight back home.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Assuta and Sourasky operate at very high volumes, performing over 34,000 surgeries annually. This efficiency allows patients to complete tests and procedures faster than in many European clinics. However, staying under 10 days for TAVI is risky due to potential cabin pressure issues during flights. Most experienced surgeons like Dr. Finkelshtein prioritize a full week of local recovery to ensure heart rhythms are stable.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize staying at least 14 days to avoid the physical stress of travel too soon. Many note that older patients specifically benefit from 3 weeks to manage unexpected recovery delays safely.
Israel is a global center for transcatheter heart valve innovations. It pioneered systems like the Cardioband for direct annuloplasty. Israeli surgeons also developed the Cusper device. This technology acts like a stent to stop backflow in aortic valve insufficiency through a needle stick.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli surgical expertise often bridges the gap between available technology and patient-specific needs. Dr. Finkelshtein Arik at Sourasky Medical Center has successfully performed over 100 catheterizations using new aortic valve replacement methods. This volume is critical because leading Israeli specialists are often the same researchers who developed these minimally invasive protocols.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli doctors use highly tailored anticoagulation protocols based on specific valve types. They also emphasize getting multiple echoes before surgery to ensure a precise diagnosis and avoid overtreatment.
Israel is a premier neurosurgery hub due to its fusion of high-density medical innovation and elite surgical expertise. Top facilities like Sheba Medical Center integrate AI-guided navigation and real-time intraoperative MRI. Specialized centers report 98% success rates for complex procedures including awake craniotomy and movement disorder treatments.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a clear divide between public and private options in Israel. Private centers like Assuta Medical Center perform over 92,000 operations annually and allow patients to select their specific lead surgeon. This is a vital advantage for complex cases where a specific expert like Dr. Eli Ashkenazi is preferred for his 1,000+ spine surgery record.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing original imaging on a USB for local review to streamline the surgical plan. They also note that private packages often include hotel coordination and airport transfers, making the logistics much smoother.
Israeli neurosurgeons treat a full spectrum of conditions ranging from brain and spinal tumors to complex functional disorders. Specialized centers utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, deep brain stimulation, and intraoperative MRI to manage epilepsy, Parkinson disease, and cerebrovascular pathologies with high precision.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli hospitals often combine specialties to handle complex cases. At Sourasky Medical Center, neurosurgeons like Dr. Zvi Lidar bridge neurosurgery and orthopedics for spinal care. This multidisciplinary approach allows clinics to perform 34,000+ operations annually. Choosing a facility with this crossover expertise often leads to more comprehensive treatment plans for degenerative diseases.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the ability to access specialized treatments like fluorescence-guided surgery for tumors which are often unavailable elsewhere. Many note that the staff is fluent in English and provides clear communication through teleconsultations before traveling.
Israel is home to world-renowned neurosurgery centers like Sourasky Medical Center, Sheba Medical Center, and Hadassah Medical Center. These facilities are globally ranked for treating complex brain tumors, spinal disorders, and movement diseases. They utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, robotic systems, and intra-operative MRI.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that while most patients focus on Tel Aviv, Rambam Medical Center in Haifa offers unique expertise in neuro-trauma. It operates a specialized neuro-ICU and serves nearly 1 million patients annually. This makes it an essential choice for complex post-trauma brain surgeries that requires intensive recovery support.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to start consultations early. They often highlight that the precision and follow-up care for complex brain tumors exceeded their expectations. One patient emphasized how quickly they could connect with top professors for second opinions during critical neurosurgical cases.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Prof. Zvi Ram, Prof. Shlomi Constantini, and Prof. Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These specialists hold leadership roles in the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) and the World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (WSSFN). They utilize advanced intraoperative mapping and robotic systems.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky and Sheba indicates a strong correlation between high surgical volumes and patient safety. For example, Sourasky performs 34,000+ operations annually with a 90% oncology success rate. Patients seeking complex tumor removals should prioritize centers like these where surgeons perform hundreds of specific cases each year.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of finding a surgeon who specializes specifically in your condition rather than a generalist. Many note that high-volume centers provide better access to English-speaking staff and coordinated care for international visitors.
International neurosurgery patients in Israel must provide comprehensive medical records including recent MRI or CT scans translated into English. Admission requires a clinical review by specialists to confirm treatment feasibility. Hospitals often mandate full advance payment or a significant deposit before confirming surgery dates or issuing visa support letters.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top Israeli facilities like Sheba Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center handle massive patient volumes, exceeding 1,000,000 people annually. This high demand means clinics prioritize complex or rare cases over routine procedures. Patients with unique or high-risk conditions often receive faster admission approval than those seeking standard treatments available elsewhere.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that having all imaging results ready in English is essential for quick scheduling. Many emphasize that while the medical care is excellent, coordinating around Shabbat closures is necessary to avoid unexpected diagnostic delays.
A standard stay for neurosurgery in Israel ranges from 10 to 14 days for uncomplicated cases. Patients undergoing complex procedures like brain tumor removal or deep brain stimulation often require 4 to 6 weeks. This timeline covers pre-operative diagnostics, the surgical procedure, and essential post-operative monitoring.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky Medical Center shows they treat over 400,000 patients annually with high success rates. Clinics with such high volumes, like Hadassah or Assuta, often have streamlined discharge protocols. This helps international patients transition to hotel-based recovery faster while maintaining access to top specialists.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is vital not to rush home too early. Some travelers extended their stay to 3 weeks due to swelling or to ensure they received final surgeon clearance before flying.
Israeli neurosurgery uses robotic guidance, real-time 3D imaging, and incisionless technologies to minimize physical trauma. Systems like Mazor Robotics provide sub-millimeter precision for spine implants. MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treats tremors without incisions. These advanced tools ensure high accuracy and reduce recovery times.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli clinics like Sourasky or Hadassah integrate proprietary Israeli-born technologies like Surgical Theater before they hit global markets. Our data shows these centers often use VR flight-through models for pre-surgical planning. This allows surgeons to rehearse complex cases, which is a key factor in their 90% success rates.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that technologies like the Gamma Knife allowed them to return home in days rather than weeks. Many move from traditional 10cm incisions to cuts under 2cm when using robotic-assisted systems.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery due to its integration of proprietary medical innovations and internationally trained specialists. High-capacity centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) perform over 34,000 annual surgeries. Patients access advanced techniques like awake craniotomy and MR-guided focused ultrasound.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgery stands out because of the high concentration of dually certified experts. Many top surgeons, such as Dr. Zvi Lidar, are certified to practice in both Israel and the USA. This ensures that patients receive American-standard surgical care while staying in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Our data shows that private centers like Assuta offer significantly faster access to these specific specialists compared to the public system.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to confirm a surgeon's specific volume of cases for your exact condition. They also value the ability to get expert second opinions quickly through online consultations with world-renowned professors.
Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) are among the best neurosurgery hospitals in Israel. These JCI-accredited facilities perform thousands of operations annually. They utilize advanced technologies like CyberKnife and intraoperative MRI to treat complex brain tumors and cerebrovascular lesions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top Israeli centers like Sourasky and Hadassah perform over 40,000 total operations yearly. This high volume allows surgeons to maintain a 90% success rate even in complex oncology cases. Patients seeking robotic spine surgery or deep brain stimulation should focus on these high-capacity municipal centers for the most experienced teams.
Patient Consensus: Patients appreciate that some hospitals quickly coordinate consultations even during regional strikes. Families of pediatric patients especially value surgeons trained at prestigious international institutions.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Professor Zvi Ram, Professor Shlomi Constantini, and Professor Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These experts specialize in awake craniotomy, pediatric brain tumors, and functional mapping. Most hold JCI accreditation and international fellowships from institutions like Johns Hopkins and Yale.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top-tier Israeli neurosurgeons, such as those at Sourasky Medical Center, often hold dual board certifications in Israel and the US. This unique crossover ensures patients receive American-standard protocols. These specialists typically manage over 34,000 annual operations, providing high-volume clinical experience that smaller private clinics cannot match.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that highly qualified doctors like Professor Shlomo Constantini provide satisfactory answers quickly. People emphasize that outcomes often depend on the hospital’s integrated resources rather than just a doctor's prestige.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery, treating complex brain and spinal conditions using robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques. Highly specialized units at JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) and Hadassah Medical Center focus on neuro-oncology, pediatric neurosurgery, and functional procedures.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgical departments often function as rapid-response hubs for international patients. Data shows that large centers like Sourasky, which serves 1,800,000 patients annually, can organize expert video consultations in a very short time. This speed is critical for neuro-oncology cases where starting treatment a few days earlier significantly impacts outcomes.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli teams often accept high-risk cases that other hospitals decline. They emphasize the importance of using local coordinators to manage travel logistics or potential local disruptions during their two-week stay.
International patients traveling to Israel for neurosurgery require a valid passport, an entry permit or medical visa, and a formal hospital invitation. You must provide recent MRI or CT scans in DICOM format and detailed medical summaries. Proof of private health insurance and financial stability are also mandatory for border entry.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top neurosurgeons at Hadassah Medical Center and Sourasky often request records 4–6 weeks before arrival. Submitting these early prevents appointment shifts. High-volume centers with over 30,000 annual operations have dedicated portals for secure DICOM file uploads. Using these ensures your surgeon reviews high-quality images before you land in Tel Aviv.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing physical copies and digital backups of all scans on a USB drive. They also note that private insurance needs pre-authorization specifically for neurosurgery to avoid payment delays at the clinic.