Aortic/Pulmonary/Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Balloon valvuloplasty, also known as balloon valvotomy, is a specialized, minimally invasive procedure used to widen narrowed heart valves. This procedure is often performed on patients with valve stenosis, a condition where the heart’s valves become constricted, restricting blood flow and placing increased strain on the heart muscle. There are three main types of balloon valvuloplasty, each addressing a different valve: Aortic Balloon Valvuloplasty (ABV), Pulmonary Balloon Valvuloplasty (PBV), and Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty (MBV). Each procedure shares similarities but is uniquely tailored to the specific valve involved.
In aortic balloon valvuloplasty, a catheter is inserted, usually through a femoral artery in the leg, and guided to the aortic valve. The catheter has a small balloon at its tip, which is inflated once it reaches the constricted area. This inflation widens the valve opening by stretching it, improving blood flow. Similarly, pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty targets the pulmonary valve to enhance blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs. In mitral balloon valvuloplasty, the catheter is threaded through the venous system and passed through the septum between the left and right atria to reach the mitral valve, which connects the left atrium and left ventricle.
These procedures offer a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery, using specialized imaging techniques such as echocardiography and fluoroscopy to guide the catheter. Balloon valvuloplasty is particularly beneficial for high-risk surgical patients and is sometimes employed as a bridging treatment until more definitive interventions are feasible.
Procedure Duration
The duration of a balloon valvuloplasty procedure can vary, typically ranging from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the specific valve treated and the patient's anatomy and health condition. Generally, the procedure starts with a brief preparatory phase, during which the patient receives sedation or general anesthesia. A catheterization specialist then inserts the catheter through a blood vessel, usually in the groin, guiding it to the appropriate valve.
Once the catheter is in position, the balloon is carefully inflated to stretch the valve and improve blood flow. This phase is the most critical and requires real-time imaging to ensure precision. After inflating the balloon, the catheter is withdrawn, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to minimize bleeding and prevent complications.
Following the procedure, patients are monitored for several hours in a recovery room or intensive care unit. While balloon valvuloplasty is less invasive than traditional valve surgery, patients may experience mild soreness at the catheter insertion site. Full recovery varies, with most patients able to resume light activities within a few days, though they are advised to avoid strenuous activities for one to two weeks.
Benefits
- Minimally Invasive: Balloon valvuloplasty avoids the need for open-heart surgery, resulting in less scarring and a quicker recovery.
- Shorter Hospital Stay: Most patients can leave the hospital within a day or two, reducing healthcare costs and time away from daily life.
- Immediate Improvement: Many patients experience almost instant symptom relief, such as reduced breathlessness and improved energy levels.
- Suitable for High-Risk Patients: Often recommended for patients who are poor candidates for surgery due to age or underlying health conditions.
- Versatile Treatment Option: Can be used as a bridging therapy for patients awaiting more permanent interventions.
Potential Destinations
- SingaporeKnown for its cutting-edge medical facilities and expertise in cardiac care, Singapore attracts patients seeking balloon valvuloplasty. Its hospitals are renowned for their safety protocols, skilled specialists, and well-coordinated patient care.
- IndiaIndia offers highly affordable balloon valvuloplasty procedures with well-trained cardiologists and modern facilities. Major medical centers in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore are known for their expertise and the availability of advanced technology.
- ThailandThailand combines affordability with high-quality care, especially in cardiac specialties. Internationally accredited hospitals in Bangkok offer a range of services and treatments for cardiac conditions, making it a popular choice among medical tourists.
- TurkeyWith its state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure and skilled cardiac teams, Turkey has emerged as a top destination for cardiovascular treatments. Turkish hospitals in cities like Istanbul are known for their professionalism and high standards in cardiac procedures.
- South KoreaSouth Korea is a leader in minimally invasive cardiac procedures, including balloon valvuloplasty. Hospitals in Seoul offer sophisticated medical technology and highly skilled cardiac specialists, making it an attractive option for patients from around the world.
Risks & Considerations
- Valve Re-narrowing: In some cases, the valve may narrow again over time, requiring further interventions or a different treatment approach.
- Blood Clot Formation: There is a risk of blood clots forming at the catheter insertion site or within the treated valve, potentially leading to complications like stroke.
- Bleeding and Bruising: Minor bleeding and bruising can occur at the insertion site, particularly for patients on blood-thinning medications.
- Heart Rhythm Irregularities: Some patients experience arrhythmias during or after the procedure, necessitating close monitoring and possibly temporary treatment.
- Potential for Emergency Surgery: Although rare, in certain situations, emergency open-heart surgery may be needed if complications arise during the procedure.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When choosing a doctor and hospital for balloon valvuloplasty, it’s essential to prioritize experience and expertise. Seek out a hospital with a robust cardiovascular department and cardiologists or interventional cardiologists who specialize in minimally invasive valve treatments. Checking the doctor’s experience specifically in balloon valvuloplasty can offer additional peace of mind, as familiarity with the procedure can directly impact its success and safety.
Patients may also consider factors like the hospital’s international accreditation, patient reviews, and the availability of post-operative care to ensure the most positive treatment experience. Look for hospitals that offer comprehensive care and have staff who speak your language or provide translation services, as effective communication is crucial throughout the treatment and recovery journey.
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
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
