Israeli Doctors Save 71-Year-Old After Heart Tumor Causes Cardiac Arrest at Wolfson Medical Center

A 71-year-old man named Roni Moshe from Holon was rushed to Wolfson Medical Center after experiencing severe chest pain and a sudden decline in physical ability. Known for his active lifestyle, including regular cycling and hiking, Moshe was shocked to learn he had an 8-centimeter benign heart tumor called a myxoma, originating in the left atrium and nearly blocking blood flow.

Just before an urgent surgery to remove the tumor, Moshe suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while signing consent forms. The medical team immediately performed advanced resuscitation, intubated him, and rushed him into emergency surgery. The tumor was successfully removed, saving his life.

Dr. Hagai Dekel, head of adult and pediatric cardiac surgery at Wolfson, explained that myxomas are gelatinous benign tumors that can move and block blood flow, posing critical risks including sudden cardiac arrest. He praised the patient’s alertness and the swift response of the medical team for preventing a fatal outcome.

Moshe expressed gratitude for the timely care, stating that had the cardiac event occurred away from the hospital, the consequences could have been devastating. Dr. Jean De Dieu, a pediatric cardiac surgery specialist involved in the resuscitation, called the experience emotionally significant and emphasized the privilege of saving lives in Israel.

Moshe is now recovering after the complex surgery, highlighting the importance of prompt medical evaluation for chest pain and sudden physical decline.