Rabbi Yosef to undergo catheterization

Yosef conscious, not on respirator.

ovadia yosef looks down  (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
ovadia yosef looks down
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
Shas spiritual leader Ovadia Yosef underwent a catheterization Monday morning, at Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital in Jerusalem. Upon completion of the procedure, Yosef was transferred to the recovery room, and was declared to be in good condition. Yosef underwent a coronary catheterization at Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem's Ein Kerem on Monday. Doctors said that contrary to media reports since last week, he had not suffered any coronary infarction (heart attack) but two bouts of breathless and chest pain. For a Jerusalem Online video of events click here The 86-year-old rabbi, who has long had diabetes, was conscious and not attached to a respirator, said the Hadassah cardiologist in charge of his care, Prof. Dan Gillon. Yosef was brought to the hospital in a private vehicle on Saturday after suffering from symptoms Last week, while on a pre-Rosh Hashana tour in the North, Yosef felt unwell and was hospitalized at Western Galilee Government Hospital in Nahariya. He was released within two days. Yosef's personal physician. Prof. Yohanan Stessman -- who is also chief of rehabilitation at Hadassah University Medical Center on Mount Scopus, said that after the catheterization, in which a catheter and miniature camera are threaded into the coronary arteries, they would decide what, if any treatment he needed. It was not known if angioplasty -- balloon therapy with insertion of a supportive metal stent -- would be performed during the catheterization. As it was the second time in a week in which he suffered symptoms, Hadassah doctors said they would not release him quickly so they could make sure there was not a recurrence.