Coronary artery bypass grafting in Israel: Our Best Clinics and Costs 2026

Top-ranked cardiac surgeons for bypass surgery in Israel include specialists holding international fellowships and senior leadership roles at JCI-accredited centers. Experts like Dr. Kramer Amir and Prof. Gideon Uretzky specialize in minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) to improve patient recovery times.

• Dr. Kramer Amir: Specialist with 30+ years of experience trained at Oxford and D’Annunzio University.
• Prof. Gideon Uretzky: Recognized by Maariv as a top heart surgeon for five consecutive years.
• Dr. Finkelshtein Arik: Expert in catheterization trained at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
• Dr. Pevni Dimitry: Senior surgeon with advanced minimally invasive training from Switzerland and Germany.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a strong trend of international cross-training among Israel's leading bypass surgeons. Dr. Kramer Amir and Dr. Pevni Dimitry completed specialized fellowships across Italy, Germany, and the UK. This global exposure allows them to implement diverse techniques like beating-heart surgery and stentless valve integration at Sourasky Medical Center.

Patient Consensus: Patients often mention feeling a sense of deep relief after meeting their surgical teams. They say the focus on cardiac rehabilitation helps them get back on their feet faster. Many were surprised by how quickly they could breathe easily again after their procedures.

Israeli heart surgeons usually hold a specialist certificate in Cardiothoracic Surgery from the Ministry of Health. Most complete a seven-year residency and possess advanced international fellowship training from top centers in the US or Europe. Many also hold academic titles like Professor at Tel Aviv University.

• Board certification: Mandatory certification from the Scientific Council of the Israel Medical Association is required.
• International fellowships: Top surgeons often train at institutions like the Mayo Clinic or Oxford University.
• Sub-specialized training: Expertise includes minimally invasive CABG, stentless heart valves, and beating-heart surgical techniques.
• Research leadership: Leading doctors often publish 150+ scientific papers and lead active clinical trials.

Bookimed Expert Insight: A distinct pattern among top Israeli heart surgeons is their extensive training across multiple European countries. For example, Dr. Pevni Dimitry at Sourasky Medical Center completed specialized cardiac training in Germany, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium. This multi-country exposure allows surgeons to master diverse surgical philosophies and the latest minimally invasive technologies for complex bypass cases.

Patient Consensus: Patients often note that surgeons with a military medical background remain very calm during complex procedures. They appreciate that these doctors have extensive experience in high-pressure environments. Many felt more confident choosing surgeons who had completed 10+ years of work after their residency.

Top Israeli cardiac surgeons specialize in minimally invasive bypass like MIDCAB and beating-heart surgery. Professor Gideon Uretzky and Dr. Kramer Amir at Sourasky Medical Center lead in performing complex revascularization through small incisions. These methods eliminate the need for a heart-lung machine and traditional breastbone opening.

• Specialized MIDCAB training: Dr. Kramer Amir completed advanced minimally invasive bypass training at Oxford University.
• Beating-heart expertise: Dr. Pevni Dimitry has performed 1,000+ procedures using unique heart valve techniques.
• Catheterization leadership: Dr. Finkelshtein Arik pioneered transcatheter valve implants after training at Cedars Sinai.
• European clinical training: Dr. Aleksandr Lipey-Diamant mastered complex cardiothoracic surgery at Marie Lannelongue, Paris.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a concentration of minimally invasive expertise at Sourasky Medical Center, where three lead specialists share 90+ years of combined experience. While many surgeons offer bypass, those like Dr. Kramer Amir and Dr. Pevni Dimitry have specific certifications from Swiss and Italian centers for off-pump techniques.

Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that recovery is much faster, often returning to normal life in 2 to 3 weeks. They note it's vital to confirm if your condition fits a minimally invasive approach. Many were relieved to avoid the long 8-week recovery required for traditional open-heart surgery.

Israel features globally recognized cardiac surgeons specializing in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). These experts perform complex revascularization on a beating heart to avoid the heart-lung machine. Key specialists hold prestigious American and European board certifications and lead dedicated cardiothoracic departments in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

• Dr. Dmitry Pevni: Performed 1,000+ beating-heart procedures at Sourasky Medical Center using unique working-heart techniques.
• Dr. Kramer Amir: Offers 30+ years of experience in minimally invasive bypass surgery with specialized Italian training.
• Prof. Gideon Uretzky: Leads bypass grafting at Sourasky Medical Center with over 150 scientific publications.
• Dr. Aleksandr Lipey-Diamant: Directs cardiothoracic surgery at Hadassah Medical Center after advanced training in Paris.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data reveals a specific concentration of off-pump expertise at Sourasky Medical Center. Dr. Dmitry Pevni and Dr. Kramer Amir both practice here after training in major European centers like Vienna and Oxford. This allows patients to access surgeons who have successfully performed thousands of operations using stabilizers to secure grafts without stopping the heart.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that choosing the off-pump method in Israel often leads to much faster recovery times. One relative mentioned a four-vessel bypass patient was off the ventilator quickly and home within four days. Others emphasize that these surgeons excel at treating high-risk elderly patients by avoiding the risks of a heart-lung machine.

International patients can schedule a consultation with Israeli cardiac surgeons by submitting medical records for a remote video assessment. Top specialists at JCI-accredited centers provide surgical second opinions via platforms like Zoom or WhatsApp. This process typically requires coronary angiography images and recent echocardiography reports for review.

• Specialist matching: Patients are paired with surgeons like Dr. Kramer Amir at Sourasky Medical Center.
• Document submission: Providing cardiac catheterization and CT scans is essential for an accurate surgical plan.
• Remote evaluation: Surgeons discuss minimally invasive approaches and off-pump bypass options during video calls.
• Expert reports: Patients receive a formal written opinion in English within a few business days.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Analysis of leading specialists reveals a strong trend of European and American training among top-tier surgeons. For instance, Prof. Pevni Dimitry has 35+ years of experience with training in Switzerland and Germany. Choosing a surgeon with such diverse international exposure, like those at Tel Aviv University, helps ensure access to specialized heart valve and bypass techniques.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that organizing 'second opinion packets' with stress tests and prior catheter reports early helps speed up the process. They often find that virtual consultations are readily available and highly informative. Many emphasize the importance of having medical records ready in English to avoid any potential communication delays.

Israeli surgeons report high success rates for coronary artery bypass grafting, with efficacy typically exceeding 95%. Recent data show in-hospital mortality remains low at 1.5% to 1.6%. These outcomes are supported by advanced surgical techniques and international board certifications held by leading heart specialists.

• Success rate: Procedures show a 95% efficacy rate for relieving angina and heart symptoms.
• Surgeon expertise: Top doctors like Dr. Kramer Amir are recognized among the best five.
• Advanced training: Surgeons complete fellowships in centers like Oxford, Cedars-Sinai, and Berlin hospitals.
• Technique specialization: Dr. Gideon Uretzky specializes in minimally invasive bypass for faster recovery.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Analysis of leading specialists reveals an intensive focus on international cross-training to master specific bypass methods. For example, Dr. Alexander Lipey-Diamant and Dr. Dimitry Pevni completed advanced training in Austria, Belgium, and Germany. This European exposure allowed them to refine complex valve-sparing and beating-heart techniques not commonly available in all centers.

Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that individual surgeon volume and specialization matter more than the hospital name itself. Many noted that getting direct information on graft longevity and re-operation rates was helpful for setting realistic expectations. They felt reassured by the specific focus on cardiac rehabilitation alongside the surgery.