Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty (BAV) is a minimally invasive procedure used to widen a stenotic aortic valve, which is the valve that regulates blood flow from the heart into the aorta. Aortic stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of this valve, restricts blood flow, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, fainting, and shortness of breath. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients who are at high risk for more invasive surgeries, providing a safer, temporary alternative to surgical valve replacement, especially for patients who may need additional time to prepare for or consider further treatment options.
During the procedure, a thin, flexible catheter with a balloon at its tip is inserted through a small incision, typically in the groin. The catheter is then guided through the arteries to reach the narrowed aortic valve. Once in position, the balloon is inflated to stretch the valve opening, improving blood flow. This expansion helps to relieve symptoms and enhance the quality of life for patients with severe aortic stenosis, particularly those who are not candidates for surgical intervention.
Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty is generally viewed as a temporary measure, as the effects may diminish over time due to valve re-narrowing. However, it remains a valuable treatment option, especially for older patients or those with comorbidities that make surgical options riskier. The procedure is also sometimes used as a bridge to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical valve replacement, giving patients time to prepare for more permanent solutions.
Procedure Duration
Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty typically takes between one to two hours to complete. The procedure is performed in a catheterization lab, where interventional cardiologists can monitor the heart and vascular system closely. While the actual inflation of the balloon is relatively quick, positioning the catheter precisely takes time and requires expertise to minimize any risks associated with catheter manipulation in the vascular system.
The recovery phase after a BAV is considerably shorter than for surgical alternatives. Many patients are observed in the hospital for a day or two to ensure no complications arise, and some may even be discharged the same day, depending on their overall health and response to the procedure. Most patients can resume light activities within a few days, but strenuous activities should be avoided until they receive full clearance from their healthcare provider.
Recovery from Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty includes some minor restrictions, as well as regular monitoring of heart function. Follow-up appointments and diagnostic tests such as echocardiograms are generally recommended within a few months of the procedure. These assessments allow doctors to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure and to determine if or when further intervention might be needed. Since the results of BAV are often temporary, ongoing monitoring is essential for maintaining patient health and planning long-term treatment options.
Benefits
- Minimally Invasive: BAV is performed through a small incision, reducing the risk of complications associated with open-heart surgery.
- Shorter Recovery Time: Compared to surgical options, BAV offers a significantly reduced recovery period, allowing patients to return to daily activities more quickly.
- Symptom Relief: The procedure provides immediate relief from symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath, improving quality of life.
- Reduced Surgical Risk: Ideal for patients at high surgical risk due to age or comorbidities, BAV offers a safer alternative to more invasive procedures.
- Bridge to Further Treatment: BAV can serve as a temporary measure, providing time for patients to prepare for more permanent interventions like TAVR or surgical valve replacement.
Potential Destinations
1. India
India is known for its advanced cardiac care facilities and highly skilled interventional cardiologists. Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore offer state-of-the-art hospitals with international accreditation, making them ideal destinations for medical tourists seeking quality heart care at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.
2. Thailand
Thailand is a well-established destination for medical tourism, with Bangkok leading in specialized cardiovascular treatments. Thai hospitals offer cutting-edge technology and high standards of care, with many medical centers providing comprehensive packages that include accommodation and follow-up care for international patients.
3. Turkey
Turkey has emerged as a popular destination for cardiovascular procedures, including Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty. Istanbul, in particular, is home to hospitals equipped with the latest technology and staffed by experienced cardiologists. Patients are attracted to Turkey for its balance of quality care and affordable pricing.
4. South Korea
South Korea is recognized for its high standards in medical innovation and patient care. Hospitals in cities like Seoul provide advanced cardiac procedures, including BAV, with specialized cardiac units. South Korea is also known for its patient-centric approach and exceptional post-operative care.
5. Mexico
For patients from North America, Mexico offers proximity and lower travel costs in addition to skilled medical services. Cities like Mexico City and Monterrey are home to hospitals with advanced cardiology departments, providing affordable yet quality care for conditions like aortic stenosis.
Risks & Considerations
- Risk of Re-stenosis: The effects of BAV can be temporary, as the valve may narrow again over time, necessitating additional treatments.
- Blood Vessel Injury: The insertion and navigation of the catheter carry a small risk of damage to blood vessels, which could require further medical attention.
- Heart Rhythm Abnormalities: Some patients may experience arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, following the procedure, which may require medical intervention.
- Stroke Risk: There is a minimal risk of stroke associated with BAV due to potential dislodgement of plaque during the procedure.
- Infection: As with any invasive procedure, there is a risk of infection at the catheter insertion site, especially if post-operative care is not properly managed.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
Choosing the right doctor and hospital for Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty is crucial for successful outcomes. Start by researching cardiologists with extensive experience in interventional procedures and those specifically skilled in balloon valvuloplasty. An interventional cardiologist should have a proven track record in handling aortic stenosis cases and be affiliated with a reputable, well-equipped hospital that has a specialized cardiac catheterization lab.
It is also wise to select a hospital with international accreditation, which signals adherence to high standards of quality and patient safety. Look for hospitals that provide comprehensive care, including post-procedure monitoring and access to a multidisciplinary team that can support ongoing heart health management.
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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Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
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