Closed Heart/Thoracic Surgery

Steps Involved in IVF:

Procedure Description

Closed heart/thoracic surgery is a minimally invasive approach to treating certain cardiac and thoracic conditions without the need to open the chest cavity fully. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, which requires a large incision through the sternum to access the heart, closed heart surgery is typically performed through smaller incisions. This approach allows surgeons to access specific parts of the heart or nearby thoracic organs, such as the lungs or the esophagus, by using specialized instruments, often guided by a camera (thoracoscope) to view the surgical field. This advanced technique has grown in popularity due to its less invasive nature, which can mean reduced pain, fewer complications, and a faster recovery time for patients.

In closed heart surgery, access to the heart’s outer structures or nearby thoracic organs can be achieved without the need to place the patient on a heart-lung bypass machine. Closed procedures are commonly performed to address issues like valve repairs, certain types of heart defect repairs, and surgeries on the outer layers of the heart, such as pericardial effusions. Other thoracic procedures, such as lung biopsies or pleurectomy for pleural disease, may also be accomplished through closed thoracic approaches. By employing minimally invasive methods, surgeons can provide effective treatment with reduced physiological strain on the patient.

A key factor in closed heart/thoracic surgery is the technology used, such as endoscopic tools or robotic-assisted surgery systems, which allow the surgeon to maneuver with precision within the thoracic cavity. These instruments provide enhanced visualization, which is crucial when working with smaller incisions. Additionally, closed heart surgery often involves shorter hospital stays and can have a significant impact on improving a patient’s quality of life due to its minimally invasive nature.

Procedure Duration

The duration of a closed heart/thoracic surgery can vary significantly based on the specific type of procedure being performed. Generally, these procedures take between 1 to 4 hours. Simple repairs, such as minor valve adjustments or biopsy of thoracic tissues, may take just 1-2 hours. In contrast, more complex procedures, such as lung lobectomy or advanced valve repairs, can require more time, extending the duration closer to 3-4 hours. Surgeons often work within narrow timeframes to ensure that blood flow and oxygen levels are managed carefully during the procedure.

The stages of a closed heart/thoracic surgery usually involve a brief preoperative setup where the patient is prepped for surgery, followed by the actual surgical intervention phase, and finally the immediate post-surgical monitoring phase. In cases where thoracoscopic techniques are employed, small incisions allow the insertion of cameras and instruments to access the surgical site, which can reduce both the complexity and duration of the procedure compared to open surgery. Robotic-assisted methods, which are sometimes used, may extend the surgical time slightly due to setup but allow for even greater precision and control.

Recovery time for closed heart/thoracic surgeries is typically shorter than that for traditional open-heart surgeries. Patients undergoing minimally invasive procedures often experience less pain and reduced swelling, allowing them to return to their daily routines faster. Most patients can leave the hospital within 3-5 days post-surgery, depending on the complexity of the procedure, and resume light activities within 2-4 weeks. Full recovery can range from 4-8 weeks, with specific instructions provided by the healthcare team based on the individual’s progress.

Benefits

  • Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions mean less trauma to the body, reduced pain, and quicker recovery time.
  • Reduced Infection Risk: Lower risk of postoperative infections compared to open-heart surgeries.
  • Shorter Hospital Stays: Patients can often return home sooner, allowing for a quicker return to normal life.
  • Enhanced Precision with Robotic Assistance: Robotic-assisted methods allow for greater control and precision during the procedure.
  • Lower Blood Loss: Smaller incisions and more targeted procedures reduce the risk of significant blood loss.

Potential Destinations

  • India
    Known for its high-quality cardiac care facilities and experienced cardiothoracic surgeons, India offers affordable yet advanced closed heart surgeries. Many hospitals are equipped with cutting-edge technology, providing excellent care for international patients.
  • Thailand
    Thailand has become a popular medical tourism destination, offering state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained surgeons in cardiothoracic care. The country is known for its patient-centered approach, making it a favorable choice for medical tourists seeking closed heart surgery.
  • Turkey
    Turkey is known for its well-regarded healthcare infrastructure, particularly in Istanbul, where several hospitals specialize in minimally invasive heart surgeries. Medical tourists are drawn by Turkey’s experienced surgical teams and affordable costs.
  • Singapore
    Singapore offers world-class healthcare facilities with highly skilled cardiac specialists. Known for its stringent healthcare standards, Singapore provides a range of minimally invasive cardiac procedures, making it an attractive destination for patients from neighboring regions.
  • Mexico
    With close proximity to the United States, Mexico has a growing medical tourism sector, offering quality cardiac care at lower prices. Many hospitals are equipped with advanced equipment and qualified surgeons who cater to international patients seeking closed heart surgery.

Risks & Considerations

  • Infection: Although the risk is lower with minimally invasive surgery, infections at incision sites are possible and should be closely monitored.
  • Bleeding Complications: As with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding, especially in cases where blood vessels are involved.
  • Potential for Conversion to Open Surgery: If complications arise, the procedure may need to be converted to open surgery, which carries its own set of risks.
  • Limited Accessibility for Complex Cases: Closed heart surgery may not be suitable for certain complex conditions that require full access to the heart.
  • Reaction to Anesthesia: Patients may have adverse reactions to anesthesia, necessitating careful preoperative evaluation and monitoring.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

When selecting a doctor and hospital for closed heart/thoracic surgery, it is essential to focus on their experience with minimally invasive techniques and cardiac procedures. Research the surgeon’s background, specifically their experience with closed heart surgeries and the number of such procedures they have performed. Certification and memberships in professional organizations relevant to cardiothoracic surgery can also indicate expertise and adherence to high standards.

Additionally, consider hospitals that have specialized cardiothoracic departments with a reputation for using the latest technologies, such as robotic-assisted systems and advanced imaging tools. Look for hospitals that emphasize patient safety and provide comprehensive pre- and post-operative care, as these factors are crucial to a successful recovery and positive experience.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?

The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.

What happens during egg retrieval?

When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment  where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.

What happens to the eggs?

In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle.  Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.

How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?

The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.

Embryoscope©

Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.

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