Israel’s conflict with Hamas has led to remarkable medical advancements, transforming healthcare both on and off the battlefield.
One example is Aaron Bours, an Israeli reservist and New York native, whose recovery showcases the innovative technologies emerging from this war.
Bours, 34, who moved to Israel from Long Island as a teenager, was shot in both legs during a rescue attempt in Gaza. Despite the dire circumstances, including a shattered leg and the looming threat of amputation, Bours credits Israel’s advanced medical innovations and dedicated professionals for saving his legs and aiding his recovery.
Now, after months of intensive therapy, Bours is regaining mobility, transitioning from a wheelchair to crutches, and finally to a cane. His rehabilitation story is just one example of how Israel’s healthcare system is responding to unprecedented challenges.
Israel’s war with Hamas has spurred a wave of healthcare innovations addressing both physical and psychological trauma. Technologies such as surgical robots, 3D-printed prosthetics, and AI-driven mental health tools are being deployed to save lives and improve recovery outcomes.
At the forefront of these advancements is Sheba Medical Center, the largest hospital in the Middle East, which has become a hub for research and application of these technologies.
Sheba’s Immersive Rehabilitation Room uses video game-inspired therapy to help patients like Bours regain mobility. Patients interact with real-life scenarios projected onto walls and floors, training for daily activities like navigating malls or meditating on a beach. This engaging approach not only aids physical recovery but also boosts patients’ morale.
For amputees experiencing phantom pain, the MyMove system offers relief by “tricking” the brain into believing the missing limb is moving. Patients wear VR headsets and lightweight bands to engage in games that rewire brain circuits, reducing pain without heavy reliance on medication.
Advancements in 3D printing are revolutionizing prosthetics and implants. Sheba’s 3D Center has reduced the production time for customized prosthetics from weeks to mere hours.
The technology has been used to reconstruct the facial structure of severely injured soldiers and even restore the vision of IDF officer Omri Rosenblit after a building collapse in Gaza.
In one remarkable instance, a military dog injured during an operation in Gaza received a 3D-printed skull implant, leading to a full recovery.
Robotic surgical technology, enhanced by AI, has minimized invasive procedures and reduced recovery times.
At Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, a robotic system was used to remove a bullet lodged in a soldier’s sacrum, avoiding paralysis and nerve damage. Similarly, AI-powered imaging tools like Aidoc prioritize critical trauma cases, enabling swift and life-saving interventions. On the battlefield, medics can now seamlessly transfer patient data to evacuation teams and hospitals, ensuring consistent and effective care.
The psychological toll of war has led to groundbreaking mental health solutions. AI-powered platforms like LIV provide early interventions for PTSD, alleviating the burden on mental health professionals. LIV gathers patient data during virtual interactions, allowing psychiatrists to focus on treatment rather than lengthy intake sessions.
Additionally, new apps based on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy are being developed to prevent PTSD from developing after traumatic events. These tools could become vital resources for trauma victims worldwide.
Israel’s emergency medical service, Magen David Adom, has implemented whole blood transfusions directly on the battlefield, significantly increasing survival rates for soldiers with massive bleeding. This innovation, coupled with advanced burn treatments derived from pineapple enzymes, underscores the life-saving potential of battlefield medicine.
While born out of necessity, these innovations are not confined to Israel. Many, such as the NexoBrid burn treatment and AI-powered medical tools, are poised for global application.
For instance, the U.S. Department of Defense has invested in Israeli technologies, recognizing their potential to save lives far beyond the battlefield.
Despite the hardships of war, Israel’s medical advancements reflect its resilience and ingenuity.
For survivors like Aaron Bours, these breakthroughs represent more than just technological progress—they symbolize hope and the determination to overcome even the most daunting challenges. As Bours puts it, “We’re a survivalist nation. We have to be because otherwise, we’d die.”