A groundbreaking medical achievement took place this week at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem, marking a new chapter in Israeli medical history with the country’s first complete and successful artificial heart transplantation. The complex seven-hour procedure saved the life of a 63-year-old patient who was unable to undergo a conventional heart transplant due to his medical condition.
Professor Ofer Amir, Director of the Heart Disease Institute at Hadassah, led the pioneering surgery and characterized the procedure as “an unprecedented milestone in Israeli medicine” that opens new horizons in treating severe heart failure. The successful completion of this surgery places Israel among the select few countries worldwide capable of implementing such advanced medical technologies.
The surgical team underwent extensive preparation that included specialized training in France, where Hadassah medical personnel worked alongside local cardiac surgeons and representatives from the French company that manufactured the artificial heart device. The intricate operation required precise coordination between two operating rooms functioning simultaneously to ensure optimal outcomes.
In the first operating room, medical personnel began the delicate process of preparing the artificial heart for transplantation, which included the precise addition of artificial valves to the device. Concurrently, in the second operating room, surgeons initiated the complex procedure by removing the patient’s diseased natural heart and connecting him to a heart-lung machine that maintained his vital functions throughout the operation.
The artificial heart represents a remarkable fusion of advanced technology and biological engineering. Constructed from titanium and incorporating biological tissues of animal origin, the device features sophisticated sensor systems that enable complete and precise functioning of the circulatory system. The artificial heart can fully replace natural cardiac function, providing patients with a comprehensive solution for severe heart failure.
The financial investment for each artificial heart device amounts to 1.6 million shekels, approximately $455,000, with Clalit Health Services providing complete coverage for this substantial expense. This coverage ensures that patients requiring this life-saving technology can access treatment without financial barriers.
Following the preparation of the implantation site, the artificial heart was carefully transported to the operating room where the patient awaited the procedure. The medical team proceeded to implant the device and meticulously connect it to the patient’s primary blood vessels. Through a gradual process, medical personnel reduced reliance on the heart-lung machine while simultaneously increasing support from the newly implanted artificial heart. Eventually, the patient was completely disconnected from external life support systems, and the artificial heart began operating independently without dependence on external equipment.
The surgical procedure demanded flawless coordination among an extensive medical team comprising cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, anesthesia specialists, intensive care experts, operating room nurses, and heart-lung machine technicians. The operation involved the complete removal of the patient’s natural heart and its replacement with the specialized artificial device, requiring exceptional surgical precision and extensive medical expertise.
This Israeli medical breakthrough occurs at a time when only 114 such procedures have been performed globally to date. The achievement solidifies Israel’s position as a leading medical power and demonstrates the exceptional professional capabilities of Israeli physicians alongside the country’s technological advancement. The Israeli healthcare system continues to advance confidently at the forefront of global medical achievements, with such accomplishments enhancing its international reputation in advanced medicine.
Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, recognized as a premier university medical center, issued an official statement following the surgery declaring, “We made history. For the first time in Israel—an artificial heart transplant that completely replaced the patient’s heart was successfully performed this week at Hadassah. The life of a 63-year-old patient was saved thanks to the complex operation.”
The successful artificial heart transplantation extends beyond saving a single human life, opening treatment possibilities for additional patients suffering from severe heart failure who are not candidates for conventional heart transplantation. This advanced technology provides medical solutions for complex cases where traditional treatments prove insufficient or inappropriate for specific patient conditions.
This achievement represents another significant advancement in Israel’s transplantation field development and strengthens the national healthcare system’s capabilities. The medical accomplishment showcases the professional excellence of Israeli medical teams and their capacity to address complex and pioneering medical challenges. The successful surgery offers hope to numerous additional patients while establishing Israel’s prominence on the global advanced medicine landscape.
The combination of innovative technology and Israeli medical expertise creates unique opportunities for providing advanced medical solutions to patients in critical conditions. Israel’s first artificial heart transplant symbolizes both a personal medical victory for the patient and a significant advancement for the entire Israeli healthcare system.
The successful procedure inaugurates a new era in treating advanced heart diseases within Israel and provides renewed hope to patients and their families facing similar medical challenges. This medical achievement reinforces Israel’s status as a leading nation in medical innovation and life-saving technology development, while demonstrating the superior quality of Israeli medicine and unwavering commitment to preserving human life.
The historic surgery establishes a foundation for future developments in cardiac care and positions Israel’s medical community at the forefront of international efforts to address complex cardiovascular conditions through cutting-edge technological solutions.
Photo: Hadassah University Medical Center – in accordance with Section 27A of the Copyright Law
