Heart Failure Unit

Question 1

Heart Failure Clinic

Answer

Heart failure is a clinical diagnosis based on characteristic symptoms and appropriate test findings. If you are suffering from heart failure, you can benefit from monitoring and treatment at this specialized clinic. The clinic operates on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and includes registration, ECG testing, a 6-minute walking test, a nursing visit, and a visit from a specialist in heart failure. Referrals to the clinic are made through your family doctor or cardiologist. Please bring all relevant medical information to the first visit, including up-to-date blood tests and a list of all the medications you are taking.

Question 2

Advanced Heart Failure Clinic

Answer

A clinic similar to a regular heart failure clinic, where patients who require closer monitoring or those with an implanted "artificial heart" device (LVAD) are treated. The clinic operates on Wednesdays.

Question 3

Titration Clinic

Answer

A specialized clinic for newly diagnosed heart failure patients who require frequent monitoring (every two weeks) to establish optimal heart failure treatment. The clinic is led by a specialized nurse who has completed a heart failure course (Mrs. Yelena Volsnikov) with close medical supervision from a heart failure specialist. The clinic operates on Thursdays.

Question 4

Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic

Answer

High pulmonary artery pressure may be primary (resulting from a problem in these arteries) or secondary (due to heart disease or lung disease). In this specialized clinic, patients diagnosed with high pulmonary artery pressure are evaluated and treated. Referrals are made through a family doctor or cardiologist. The clinic is managed by Dr. Tania Weinstein in collaboration with Dr. Hava Azulay (a specialized pulmonary physician). The clinic operates on Tuesdays.

Question 5

Cardio-Oncology Clinic

Answer

Patients undergoing oncological treatments may experience cardiac issues due to various reasons, including side effects of the therapeutic interventions. Typically, patients are referred to this clinic by their treating oncologist. The service at the clinic is provided in collaboration with Dr. Weinstein on specific days and with Professor Kraso on others.

Question 6

Complex Pulmonary Stress Test

Answer

This specialized stress test evaluates the patient's maximum exercise capacity by walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bicycle. During the test, the functioning of the cardiovascular system and respiratory system are examined. Patients who are suitable for this test include those with an unexplained decrease in exercise capacity and known patients where there is a specific interest in precisely assessing their exercise capacity. To undergo the test, it is necessary to arrive with appropriate commitment, usually continuing regular medication therapy, and it is advisable to come dressed in workout attire, including exercise shoes and spare clothing. The test is conducted in the presence of a physician, physiologist, and technician. The test is performed on Sundays.

Question 7

Hemodynamic Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterizations and Cardiac Biopsies

Answer

Dynamic right heart catheterizations are procedures in which measurements of pressures and flows in various sections of the heart are performed. The test is intended for patients who require additional and precise information about the severity of their condition (heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or structural heart disease). Sometimes the test is performed to rule out a disease when other tests do not provide a clear reason for the symptoms. The procedure is carried out in the catheterization room under local anesthesia and usually takes about an hour. Typically, patients are discharged on the same day. In cases of heart muscle biopsy, the procedure is performed in special situations when there is concern about a condition affecting the heart muscle, such as inflammation or infiltrative disease. This procedure is also done under local anesthesia, and most often, patients are discharged on the same day. These catheterizations are typically performed on Sundays.

Question 8

Heart Failure Inpatient Unit

Answer

Patients with heart failure are hospitalized in dedicated beds within the Cardiology Department at the Shaare Zedek Integrated Heart Center. The Heart Failure Unit's team is directly responsible for the care of these patients and includes a specialized medical team consisting of Prof. Haseen, Dr. Weitzman, or Dr. Sukholoutsky, along with a fellow.

The unit provides comprehensive care, including continuous monitoring, daily blood tests and weighing, and various treatments administered through advanced imaging studies and interventional procedures (catheterizations and stent placements) for eligible patients.

Question 9

LVAD service

Answer

Patients suffering from advanced heart failure who are suitable candidates may be offered a unique treatment option involving the implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). After hospitalization for assessment and customization, eligible patients are transferred to the cardiac surgery department at the hospital for a procedure performed by Dr. Udi Yaakovson. Following the surgery and recovery, patients continue their follow-up care in the Advanced Heart Failure Clinic under the supervision of Ms. Avital Lipshitz. LVAD surgeries have been successfully performed at Shaare Zedek since 2018.