Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD)
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Implanting an AICD is generally a minimally invasive procedure that involves the insertion of the device and its leads to monitor and manage heart rhythms. The process typically begins with a preoperative assessment, where the patient undergoes a series of diagnostic tests to confirm the need for an AICD. These tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, and sometimes even a cardiac MRI, depending on the patient's health and medical history. Following the assessment, a treatment plan and device customization are outlined.
During the procedure, a small incision is made under the collarbone to implant the AICD’s pulse generator, which houses the battery and monitoring equipment. Leads or wires are inserted through a blood vessel into the heart, and the device is then positioned to continuously monitor the heart’s rhythm and deliver a shock if an arrhythmia occurs. The surgeon uses X-ray guidance to precisely position the leads in the heart and ensures that the device can effectively detect and correct irregularities.
After the device is implanted, the surgical team conducts tests to ensure the AICD functions correctly. These tests might involve stimulating the heart to induce arrhythmias, allowing the device to detect and respond automatically. Once this testing is complete and the device is confirmed to be working properly, the incision is closed, and the patient is monitored for a brief period before being discharged.
Procedure Duration
The entire AICD implantation procedure typically takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending on individual circumstances. For many patients, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, allowing them to remain comfortable and relaxed during the implantation. Since the procedure is minimally invasive, the recovery time is shorter than more extensive surgeries.
After the procedure, patients may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two to monitor for any immediate post-surgical issues, such as infection or lead displacement. Healthcare providers usually conduct a device check during this period to ensure optimal functioning and calibrate it for any specific needs based on the patient’s condition.
The recovery period at home generally lasts about one to two weeks, during which patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or any actions that may strain the incision site. Follow-up appointments are critical during the initial recovery phase to monitor healing, ensure the device’s settings are appropriate, and address any concerns the patient may have regarding their activity levels and lifestyle adjustments. With proper follow-up care, most patients can resume normal activities within weeks of the implantation.
Benefits
- Life-saving Intervention: An AICD can detect and correct life-threatening arrhythmias instantaneously, reducing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
- Continuous Monitoring: The device provides round-the-clock monitoring, alerting patients and doctors to potential issues even before they become emergencies.
- Minimally Invasive: Unlike open-heart surgery, AICD implantation is a less invasive procedure, resulting in shorter recovery time and less physical trauma.
- Customizable Settings: Modern AICDs can be adjusted to suit each patient’s unique cardiac needs, making them adaptable to individual health conditions.
- Remote Monitoring Capabilities: Advanced models of AICDs come equipped with wireless technology, allowing doctors to monitor patients remotely and adjust settings as needed.
Potential Destinations
- Singapore
Singapore is known for its advanced cardiac care, cutting-edge medical facilities, and highly trained cardiologists. With state-of-the-art hospitals and a well-established healthcare infrastructure, Singapore offers a reliable option for AICD implantation, catering to international patients with high standards of care and extensive post-operative support.
- India
India has become a popular destination for cardiac treatments, including AICD implantation, due to its high-quality medical care and affordable pricing. The country has numerous internationally accredited hospitals with specialized cardiac units, making it an attractive choice for those seeking both expertise and cost efficiency.
- Turkey
Turkey’s healthcare sector is renowned for its skilled specialists and well-equipped hospitals, particularly in cardiology. Medical facilities in Istanbul and other major cities offer AICD procedures with a strong focus on patient safety and comfort, attracting medical tourists from Europe and the Middle East.
- Thailand
Known for its thriving medical tourism industry, Thailand offers world-class cardiac care facilities with a focus on providing excellent patient experiences. Hospitals in cities like Bangkok and Phuket are well-versed in cardiac procedures, and patients benefit from a comprehensive support system during their stay.
- Mexico
For North American patients, Mexico provides an accessible and affordable option for AICD implantation. The country has several accredited medical centers with experienced cardiologists specializing in heart procedures. Proximity to the U.S. makes Mexico a convenient choice for patients looking for quality care close to home.
Risks & Considerations
- Infection Risk: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the site of the incision. This risk is managed with proper hygiene practices and, if necessary, antibiotics.
- Device Malfunction: Though rare, AICDs may experience technical malfunctions, which could lead to an inappropriate shock or failure to deliver a shock when needed.
- Lead Displacement: The leads connecting the device to the heart may shift, which would require repositioning or lead replacement.
- Psychological Impact: Some patients experience anxiety or depression related to having a device implanted in their body that can administer shocks, sometimes requiring counseling or support.
- Allergic Reactions: Rarely, patients may have an allergic reaction to materials used in the device, such as metals or adhesives.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When selecting a healthcare provider for AICD implantation, consider factors like the doctor’s qualifications, experience with similar procedures, and success rates. Researching the cardiologist’s background and verifying their credentials can offer peace of mind, particularly for international patients seeking the best possible care.
Choosing the right hospital involves evaluating the facility’s infrastructure, the availability of post-operative support, and access to emergency services. Opt for hospitals with a specialized cardiology unit and internationally recognized accreditations. Moreover, ensure the hospital has provisions for post-procedural support and regular follow-up, especially if you plan to travel home soon after the surgery.
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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