Department of Cardiology

Dr. Chaim A. Gitelis is the Director of Cardiology at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. He attended medical school at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. He then completed residency and fellowship at Maimonides Medical Center. Dr. Gitelis is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, echocardiography and nuclear cardiology. Dr. Gitelis’ philosophy is to treat each patient as an individual. He believes in promoting the connection between the doctor and the patient, and to remain focused on what the patient truly needs. Dr. Gitelis feels that a physician must provide highly individualized advice and care, and that the emphasis must be on preventative medicine as well as solving the acute problem. Dr. Gitelis treats a wide variety of conditions including: Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Valvular Heart Disease, Arrhythmias, Diabetes and Sleep Apnea. Dr. Gitelis offers a number of treatments and procedures such as: EKG Echocardiogram, Stress Testing (Treadmill Nuclear), Home Sleep Apnea Testing, Carotid and Peripheral Vascular Imaging and Holter Monitoring.

For an Appointment with Dr. Gitelis, call his office at: (718) 645-1199

Welcome to our Advanced Cardiac Program Center of Excellence, a state-of-the-art facility that represents a significant milestone in our commitment to providing exceptional cardiac care to our community. With outcomes that compare favorably with major academic medical centers, our board-certified physicians manage a wide range of cardiac problems, from heart attacks requiring urgent thrombolytic (“clot buster”) therapy to life-threatening arrhythmias treated with external or implantable pacemakers.

The cardiology department at Maimonides Midwood Community Hospital offers a wide range of diagnostic procedures, including trans-esophageal sonography and nuclear cardiology studies. Our program features cutting-edge equipment and services, ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality care. These include:
• Combination Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) & Electrophysiology (EP) Lab
• 128 Slice CT Scanner with Cardiac Package
• Nuclear Stress Lab
• Cardiac Sonography Office
• Cardiac Physician Offices

• Leading Cause of Death: Heart disease is the foremost cause of mortality among men, women, and various racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
• Mortality Rate: Every 34 seconds, one person dies from cardiovascular disease in the U.S.
• Annual Deaths: Approximately 697,000 people died from heart disease in 2020, accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths.
• Economic Impact: Heart disease costs the U.S. about $229 billion annually (2017-2018), covering healthcare services, medications, and lost productivity due to death.

• Importance of Timely Intervention: In cases of cardiac distress, prompt treatment is crucial. Having a state-of-the-art cardiac center in the Midwood area, equipped with a modern Cath Lab and staffed by renowned specialists, can be lifesaving.
• Local Health Disparities: Kings County, Brooklyn, experiences poor cardiac health outcomes, with high incidence and mortality rates from cardiovascular disease. This underscores the need for enhanced cardiac catheterization laboratory services.

• New Services: New York Community Hospital (NYCH) offers “Cardiac Catheterization – Adult Diagnostic,” “Cardiac Catheterization – Percutaneous Coronary Intervention,” and “Cardiac Catheterization – Electrophysiology” services.

1. Enhanced Access: There is improved availability of diagnostic cardiac catheterization, PCI, and EP procedures for local residents.
2. Improved Outcomes: Cardiac health outcomes for residents in the NYCH service area are better.
3. Quality Oversight: High standards of care are maintained through collaboration with Maimonides Medical Center, a recognized cardiac surgery affiliate.
4. Stroke Center Designation: NYCH’s status as a Primary Stroke Center is strengthened, as designated by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).

In summary, the PCI-capable cardiac catheterization and EP laboratory at MMCH, in collaboration with Maimonides Medical Center, is crucial for improving cardiac health outcomes and providing timely, high-quality care to the residents of Kings County, Brooklyn.

His expertise and leadership ensure that our patients receive the highest quality care for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

To reach Dr. Frankel’s office, call (718) 283-7480

Dr. Frankel has over 30 years experience in the specialty of interventional cardiology. He has published numerous articles in leading journals on such topics as “New trends in Interventional Cardiology” and “Safety and Efficacy of the Perclose Suture Mediated Closure Device After Diagnostic and Interventional Catheterizations in a Large Consecutive Population,” among others. Dr. Frankel’s Professional Affiliations and Organizations include: Fellow, American College of Cardiology; Member, Medical Society of the State of New York; Former President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Medical Society County of Kings; American Medical Association; and Fellow, Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions.

With outcomes that compare favorably with major academic medical centers, our board-certified physicians manage cardiac problems ranging from heart attacks requiring urgent thrombolytic (“clot buster”) therapy, to life-threatening arrhythmias treated with external or implantable pacemakers.
The cardiology department at Maimonides Midwood Community Hospital also offers a wide range of diagnostic procedures, from trans-esophageal sonography to nuclear cardiology studies.

Our cardiac catheterization laboratory, commonly referred to as the cath lab, is a specialized medical facility where minimally invasive tests and procedures are performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular diseases.
The Cath lab is equipped with advanced imaging technologies, such as fluoroscopy and intravascular ultrasound, to guide the procedures and ensure accuracy and safety. The goal is to provide less invasive alternatives to traditional surgery, often resulting in shorter recovery times and reduced risk for patients.

Our department features a state-of-the-art 128 slice computed tomography (CT) scanner and a spiral CT scanner, which is up to 10 times faster than conventional CT. These advanced tools allow our skilled radiologists to obtain in-depth information on internal organs and body tissues, making CT scanning an invaluable method for evaluating a variety of medical conditions such as cancers, trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Additionally, with the addition of the Cardiac package to our CT capabilities, we can now provide detailed imaging of the heart and coronary arteries. This enhancement allows for the early detection and management of cardiovascular diseases, ensuring comprehensive cardiac care for our patients.

Experience the pinnacle of cardiac care with Nuclear Cardiac Stress Testing at MMCH, where we utilize the latest technology and equipment to assess heart function with unparalleled accuracy. This advanced, non-invasive procedure involves a small amount of radioactive material to produce detailed images of the heart’s blood flow during both rest and stress conditions. Our expert cardiology team leverages these state-of-the-art tools to detect blockages, evaluate coronary artery disease, and tailor precise treatment plans. At MMCH, patient safety and comfort are paramount, ensuring a thorough and seamless testing experience.

Discover exceptional cardiac imaging with Cardiac Sonography at MMCH, where we harness the latest advancements in technology and equipment for precise diagnosis and treatment planning. Our skilled sonographers perform detailed ultrasound examinations of the heart to assess its structure, function, and blood flow patterns. This non-invasive procedure provides invaluable insights into cardiac health, aiding in the detection of heart conditions such as valve disorders, heart muscle abnormalities, and congenital heart defects. At MMCH, we prioritize patient comfort and clinical excellence, ensuring comprehensive care from expert interpretation to tailored treatment recommendations.

At our state-of-the-art facility, we are dedicated to providing exceptional healthcare services to our patients. Our Office is equipped with the latest technology and amenities to ensure your comfort and well-being. Here’s what you can expect when you visit us:
Comfortable Waiting Area
We understand that waiting for an appointment can be stressful, so we have designed a comfortable waiting area for you. Relax in a serene environment with comfortable & bariatric seating, room for wheelchair, Cable TV, Water Cooler, and reading materials, while you wait to see your healthcare provider.
Convenient Location Next to the Hospital
Our Office is conveniently located right next door to the hospital, providing easy access to comprehensive medical care. This proximity ensures seamless coordination for any additional tests or treatments you may need.
Multiple Treatment Rooms

We have multiple treatment rooms, ensuring that you receive prompt and personalized care. Each room is equipped with modern medical tools and designed for your comfort, allowing us to provide a wide range of treatments efficiently.
Onsite State-of-the-Art Cardiac Stress Test Lab
Our advanced Cardiac Stress Test Lab is designed to conduct thorough and precise evaluations of your heart health. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by experienced cardiology professionals, our lab ensures you receive the highest standard of care. Trust us to provide comprehensive and accurate assessments, helping diagnose and manage heart-related conditions effectively.