The Edmond J. Safra International Congenital Heart Center

a rare, but serious congenital heart defect in which the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed, creating an oxygen shortage in blood flowing out of the heart to the body

this critical birth defect affects normal blood flow through the heart; the left side of the heart cannot pump blood to the body properly, so organs do not receive the oxygen they need to function

this congenital heart defect involves five abnormalities, including a ventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, thickened right ventricle, complete pulmonary obstruction, and abnormal pulmonary arteries (MAPCAs)

a rare heart defect in which one lower ventricle (chamber) does not develop, leaving the heart with only one pumping ventricle and the body does not receive enough oxygenated blood

there are four valves that keep blood flowing regularly in the right direction through the heart; valve disease is generally caused by a congenital heart defect and requires valve repair or replacement

complex cardiac anomalies that require intracardiac reconstruction

the remodeling of left ventricular outflow tract can be performed by the Nikaidoh procedure; a diseased aortic valve may be corrected by the Ross procedure (pulmonary autograft)

these congenital heart conditions cause a hole in the center of the heart between the ventricles and problems with the heart valves

In the Electrophysiology Clinic of the Edmond J. Safra International Congenital Heart Center, we provide treatment for primary arrhythmias in children, as well as postoperative rehabilitation. We offer advanced care for the following conditions in children (and older patients):

• Cardiac arrhythmias and intracardiac conduction disorders
• Children suffering from loss of consciousness events
• Genetic and familial diseases that cause pediatric arrhythmias; we provide diagnosis and treatment
• Fetal arrhythmias during pregnancy
• Congenital heart defects that require pacemakers (in children or adults)

At our Department of Pediatric & Congenital Cardiothoracic Surgery, we perform a wide array of operations on patients with inborn heart defects. Most of the surgeries are performed during the neonatal period or during childhood. A minority of our patients undergo surgery when they are over 20 years old.

Sheba’s physicians have become worldwide pioneers in many types of surgery. We are currently the only medical center using minimally invasive techniques in congenital cardiac surgery, such as VSD and ASD closure.

We use state-of-the-art technologies to provide the most helpful treatments for congenital heart defects, including:

• Nitric oxide to treat pulmonary hypertension
• High frequency ventilation
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
• Ventricular assist devices

We offer an extensive range of sophisticated electrophysiology treatments. Our experienced specialists monitor every child to provide treatment as needed, either with drug therapy or ablation. Patients who suffer from rapid arrhythmias or conduction disorders will be referred for invasive cardiac electrophysiology, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), or cryoablation.