Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Zvi Ram
37 years of experience
accreditations :
Clinic is certified :
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Ventricular Septal Defect Surgery | ≈ $28,000 | from $15,000 | ≈ $24,000 |
| Open heart surgery | ≈ $28,500 | from $13,500 | ≈ $38,000 |
| Interventricular septal defect surgery | from $15,000 | from $10,500 | ≈ $60,000 |
Dr. Livia Kapusta is a pediatric cardiologist with specialized training from Tel-Aviv University and Radboud University Nijmegen.
Dr. David Mishaali is the Director of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiothoracic Surgery at Sheba Medical Center. He specializes in treating infants and children with high-risk heart anomalies. Dr. Mishaali developed a unique minimally invasive surgical approach for congenital heart defects. He works at Sheba Medical Center, a hospital ranked among the world’s top 10.
Dr. Moni Shuvi specializes in Valvular Heart Disease at Hadassah Medical Center, focusing on interventional cardiology.
Dr. Lorber focuses specifically on diagnosing and treating structural heart problems like VSDs at Rambam Medical Center.
Surgical repair is not the only option for ventricular septal defect in Israel. Israeli centers utilize non-surgical transcatheter closures for suitable patients. These procedures use occluder devices guided by catheters. This approach avoids large chest incisions and significantly shortens recovery times.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli cardiology clinics like Rambam Medical Center manage nearly 1,000,000 patients annually. This massive volume often allows specialists to offer hybrid approaches for complex cases. These combine catheter precision with micro-surgical access to reduce infection risks in infants.
Patient Consensus: Parents frequently note that transcatheter closure allows children to recover in days. Many appreciate the watchful waiting approach for small defects that often close naturally by age 2.
Israeli hospitals report a success rate of 95% to 97% for ventricular septal defect closure. Surgical mortality remains near 0% in modern pediatric series. Complications occur in approximately 5% of cases. Most issues like minor residual shunts or arrhythmias resolve without long-term impact on patient health.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli cardiology excels due to high clinical volumes and academic integration. Facilities like Sourasky Medical Center manage 34,000 surgeries annually, ensuring doctors maintain peak proficiency. Specialist Dr. David Mishaali at Sheba Medical Center uniquely offers minimally invasive approaches for congenital defects. This technique reduces physical trauma compared to traditional open-heart surgery. Choosing specialists with global fellowships, especially from the USA, correlates with high technical precision in complex VSD repairs.
Patient Consensus: Parents emphasize that early intervention is vital to prevent future device complications. Many note that choosing centers performing over 100 cases yearly helps keep complication rates under 2%.
Plan for a 14 to 15 day stay in Israel for ventricular septal defect repair. You should arrive 2 days before surgery for assessments. Hospitalization typically lasts 5 to 7 days. Patients should remain local for 5 additional days to ensure flight safety.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Sourasky Medical Center manage over 400,000 patients annually with high efficiency. Our data shows top surgeons like Dr. David Mishaali at Sheba prioritize minimally invasive techniques. These methods often reduce hospital stays to just 4 days for pediatric patients. Choosing a specialist focused on congenital defects can significantly shorten your total time in-country.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that recovery often moves faster than expected. Many families emphasize booking a hotel very close to the hospital for the post-discharge week.
Israeli hospitals like Sourasky Medical Center and Sheba Medical Center frequently treat international patients with ventricular septal defects. These institutions utilize JCI-accredited facilities and minimally invasive closure techniques. Specialists such as Dr. David Mishaali and Dr. Livia Kapusta lead dedicated pediatric cardiac programs.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a clear distinction between high-volume multidisciplinary centers like Sourasky and Rambam. Sourasky serves 1,800,000 patients annually with 2,200 doctors on staff. This scale allows for rapid multidisciplinary consultations. Conversely, Rambam serves nearly 1,000,000 patients and holds multiple Newsweek rankings. Patients needing complex valve work alongside VSD closure should prioritize these high-capacity academic centers.
Patient Consensus: Families suggest booking through specialized coordinators to bypass long waitlists at major Jerusalem hospitals. Many note that dedicated pediatric wings at Schneider offer helpful family lodging perks.
Scar visibility after VSD surgery in Israel depends on whether surgeons use transcatheter closure or invasive surgery. Minimally invasive techniques result in tiny marks or none. Traditional methods leave a central chest line. Israeli specialists prioritize cosmetic results by hiding incisions under the arm or near the nipple.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli pediatric surgeons like Dr. David Mishaali at Sheba Medical Center specialize in customized minimally invasive approaches. Our data shows high-volume centers like Sourasky Medical Center perform over 34,000 operations annually. This immense surgical volume allows doctors to refine techniques that specifically reduce visible scarring for younger patients. Choosing a specialist who holds a fellowship from institutions like the Cleveland Clinic ensures access to these advanced aesthetic protocols.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while midline scars are visible initially, they eventually fade into thin, pale lines. Many emphasize that proactive sun protection and silicone gels are essential for the best cosmetic healing.
Israeli cardiac centers require transthoracic echocardiograms and 12-lead electrocardiograms to finalize ventricular septal defect surgical plans. Foreign patients undergo a two-day diagnostic protocol. This includes chest X-rays and comprehensive blood panels to ensure procedural safety at facilities like Sourasky Medical Center.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli specialists often require heart MRIs despite recent ultrasounds from your home country. Data shows centers like Sourasky manage over 400,000 patients yearly by maintaining these strict diagnostic standards. This local verification confirms high success rates for complex congenital heart repairs.
Patient Consensus: Parents note that hospitals frequently repeat all imaging and blood tests upon arrival in Israel. Families suggest bringing digital copies of local records but preparing for a full on-site re-evaluation.
Patients typically fly home 7 to 14 days after catheter-based VSD closure. For surgical open-heart repair, international travel usually requires 3 to 6 weeks. Israeli specialists require a clear follow-up echocardiogram and a fit-to-fly certificate before departure to ensure stability.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Sourasky Medical Center manage high pediatric volumes with around 11,450 children treated annually. Due to this experience, specialists like Dr. Livia Kapusta often prioritize specialized imaging like heart MRIs to confirm patch stability before clearing international travel. Even with a 90% success rate in complex cases, staying near the clinic for 10 days post-discharge is a vital safety buffer.
Patient Consensus: Parents note that children might experience ear pain or fatigue if flying within a week after a device closure. Many emphasize the need for an aisle seat and extra hydration to stay comfortable during long flights from Israel.
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.