AVR – Aortic (Heart) Valve Replacement
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) is a complex cardiovascular surgery performed to treat severe aortic valve diseases, such as aortic stenosis or aortic regurgitation. The aortic valve, located between the heart's left ventricle and the aorta, regulates blood flow from the heart to the body. When the valve is damaged or diseased, it can lead to serious health complications, including reduced blood flow, increased pressure on the heart, and even heart failure if left untreated. AVR surgery replaces the diseased aortic valve with an artificial one to restore normal blood flow and improve heart function.
AVR can be performed through open-heart surgery or a minimally invasive procedure called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). In traditional open-heart surgery, the chest is opened, the heart is stopped, and the patient is connected to a heart-lung machine while the surgeon removes the damaged valve and replaces it with a new one. In TAVR, however, a catheter is used to deliver a new valve through the blood vessels, allowing for replacement without open surgery. The choice of method depends on the patient’s health, age, and the extent of the valve damage.
The replacement valve used in AVR can be either mechanical or biological. Mechanical valves are durable and made from materials like metal, requiring lifelong anticoagulant medication to prevent blood clots. Biological valves, derived from animal or human tissues, don’t require lifelong medication but may need replacement in 10-15 years. AVR is a life-saving procedure that effectively restores blood flow, significantly improving the quality of life for individuals with severe aortic valve diseases.
Procedure Duration
The duration of an Aortic Valve Replacement procedure can vary depending on the method chosen and the patient’s overall health. Open-heart AVR surgery generally takes between 3 to 4 hours to complete. This includes preparation, the surgical procedure itself, and the time needed to reconnect the heart and wean the patient off the heart-lung machine. After surgery, patients usually spend several hours in intensive care to ensure stable heart and lung function.
Recovery from AVR differs based on the type of surgery performed. For open-heart AVR, the initial hospital stay may last around 5 to 7 days, with additional recovery time at home spanning several weeks to months. During this period, patients may experience some limitations in daily activities, but most gradually regain strength and mobility as healing progresses. Patients are typically advised to follow a cardiac rehabilitation program, which includes physical therapy and lifestyle modifications to support recovery.
For patients undergoing TAVR, the procedure duration is shorter, often 1 to 2 hours, as it’s a minimally invasive approach. Hospital stays are generally shorter as well, with many patients discharged within 1 to 3 days. Recovery time is also significantly reduced, and patients can typically resume regular activities within a week or two, though they may still need follow-up appointments and monitoring. TAVR is often preferred for older patients or those with higher surgical risks due to its shorter recovery and reduced physical stress.
Benefits
- Improved Blood Flow: AVR restores proper blood flow, reducing the strain on the heart and enhancing overall cardiovascular function.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: With improved heart function, patients experience greater physical energy, stamina, and an improved quality of life.
- Longevity: By replacing a diseased valve, AVR can extend life expectancy, particularly in patients with severe aortic stenosis.
- Minimally Invasive Option (TAVR): TAVR allows certain patients to avoid open surgery, reducing recovery time and the physical impact on the body.
- Reduced Symptoms: Symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and chest pain diminish significantly after successful valve replacement, allowing patients to enjoy daily activities more freely.
Potential Destinations
Germany
Germany is renowned for advanced cardiac care and cutting-edge medical technology. With highly specialized cardiac centers and experienced surgeons, Germany offers a comprehensive approach to AVR, especially for complex cases requiring high-level expertise.
India
India is known for offering high-quality medical care at an affordable cost, attracting patients worldwide. Many hospitals in India are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and the country boasts a wealth of experienced cardiovascular surgeons, making it a popular choice for AVR procedures.
Singapore
Singapore has established itself as a leading destination for advanced medical treatments, including cardiac procedures like AVR. Known for its strict healthcare standards, modern hospitals, and excellent patient care, Singapore ensures quality and reliability for international patients seeking cardiac care.
Turkey
Turkey has gained recognition as a medical tourism hub, offering a combination of high-quality care and cost efficiency. Turkish hospitals are often equipped with advanced cardiac facilities, and the country has a network of skilled cardiologists and cardiac surgeons who specialize in AVR and related procedures.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is emerging as a premier destination for complex medical treatments, including AVR. The country’s investment in healthcare infrastructure has led to the development of state-of-the-art hospitals and a growing number of internationally trained surgeons, attracting patients seeking quality care in a luxurious setting.
Risks & Considerations
- Blood Clots: Mechanical valves require patients to take anticoagulant medication to prevent blood clots, which poses a long-term consideration and potential risk.
- Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, particularly in open-heart surgery, requiring careful post-operative care.
- Valve Wear and Tear: Biological valves may wear out over time, necessitating another valve replacement within 10-15 years.
- Stroke Risk: AVR procedures, especially TAVR, carry a slight risk of stroke due to potential dislodging of plaque or other debris during the procedure.
- Bleeding Risks: Patients with mechanical valves on blood thinners face a risk of bleeding complications, requiring careful medication management and monitoring.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
Selecting the right doctor and hospital for AVR is essential to ensure the best outcome. Look for cardiac surgeons with extensive experience in AVR procedures, as specialized expertise greatly influences success rates and minimizes risks. It’s important to inquire about the surgeon’s credentials, including their training background, certifications, and years of experience with both open-heart AVR and TAVR.
When choosing a hospital, consider facilities with advanced cardiovascular technology, a dedicated cardiac care unit, and a track record in performing AVR. Hospitals that offer comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programs provide added value, as rehabilitation is a key part of the recovery process. Additionally, ensure the hospital meets high standards of patient care, from pre-surgical consultations to post-operative follow-up, as this can impact both the quality of the procedure and the speed of recovery.
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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