The Intensive Coronary Care Unit (ICCU) at the Hadassah University Hospital-Ein Kerem is one of the first of its kind to be established in Israel. Its medical staff consists of highly-trained cardiologists and dedicated nurses, with specialization in the treatment of urgent heart problems.
The nine-bed ICCU is equipped with the most advanced monitoring devices available today. About 1,200 patients suffering from various acute and complex heart conditions, such as heart attack or acute coronary syndrome, are admitted annually. The major concerns for these patients are the prevention of further heart muscle damage and prompt treatment of life-threatening arrhythmias. Therefore, patients in the ICCU are continuously monitored by ECG.
Adverse problems are treated immediately with the most advanced therapies available including: primary angioplasty; intraaortic balloon counterpulsation; and cardioverter defibrillator implantation. Patients with severe heart failure undergo strict haemodynamic monitoring that allows optimal treatment. After stabilization, patients are released or transferred to the internal medicine ward.
Education and rehabilitation of heart attack and acute coronary syndrome patients begins in the ICCU, continues during the hospital stay and after the patient is discharged. Patients receive instructions on preventive medicine, i.e., how to prevent future events by adhering to a healthy diet, exercise and refrain from smoking.