Coronary Angiography

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Procedure Description

Coronary angiography is a diagnostic procedure used to examine the coronary arteries and detect blockages or abnormalities that may impact blood flow to the heart. This minimally invasive procedure provides physicians with clear, real-time images of blood vessels, allowing them to assess cardiovascular health and pinpoint issues that may require intervention, such as coronary artery disease, aneurysms, or congenital abnormalities. By using contrast dye and X-ray imaging, coronary angiography is one of the most accurate methods for identifying plaque buildup and blockages that can compromise heart function.

During coronary angiography, a catheter is typically inserted through a blood vessel in the groin, arm, or wrist and guided to the coronary arteries. A contrast dye, injected through the catheter, highlights the blood vessels on an X-ray monitor. The X-ray images, often in the form of fluoroscopy, allow cardiologists to visualize any restrictions or blockages within the arteries. This immediate feedback enables doctors to determine if a more invasive intervention, like angioplasty or stenting, is necessary to restore proper blood flow.

As a cornerstone diagnostic tool, coronary angiography is widely used in the management of cardiovascular health. Physicians often recommend this procedure for patients experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heart rhythms, as it provides a detailed view of the coronary anatomy. Additionally, this procedure plays an essential role in the pre-operative planning for patients undergoing major cardiac surgeries.

Procedure Duration

The entire process of coronary angiography typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the individual’s coronary anatomy and any unforeseen circumstances. The procedure can be divided into three main phases: preparation, imaging, and post-procedure care.

In the preparation phase, patients are instructed to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure. Upon arrival, they are given a gown to change into and are prepped with an IV for administering medication. A local anesthetic is applied to the insertion site (usually the groin, arm, or wrist), and a mild sedative may be given to help the patient remain calm and comfortable. The actual imaging process begins once the catheter is in place and the contrast dye is injected. The dye enables the coronary arteries to appear on X-ray images, highlighting any irregularities.

The recovery time varies based on the access point used for the catheter. Patients undergoing the procedure through the wrist or arm generally have a shorter recovery period than those who receive it via the groin. Typically, patients are observed for a few hours post-procedure to monitor for any complications, such as bleeding or allergic reactions to the contrast dye. While many patients can go home the same day, some may be advised to stay overnight for observation, especially if they have underlying health conditions that require additional monitoring.

Benefits

  • Accurate Diagnosis: Provides a precise view of coronary arteries, essential for detecting blockages or structural abnormalities.
  • Immediate Results: Real-time imaging allows for instant assessment, facilitating timely decisions about necessary treatments.
  • Minimally Invasive: Coronary angiography is less invasive than open-heart procedures, with a shorter recovery time and fewer risks.
  • Guidance for Interventions: Enables physicians to plan treatments, such as angioplasty or stenting, based on clear images of coronary arteries.
  • Reduces the Risk of Heart Attack: By identifying and addressing blockages, this procedure helps prevent potential heart attacks, improving patient outcomes.

Potential Destinations

Thailand


Thailand is known for its advanced cardiology centers, combining state-of-the-art technology with affordable prices. Bangkok and Chiang Mai, in particular, offer highly regarded facilities with experienced cardiologists skilled in coronary angiography and related interventions.

India


India has gained recognition for its quality healthcare services at competitive rates, making it a popular destination for medical tourists. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore offer specialized cardiac hospitals with internationally accredited standards and experienced cardiology teams.

Turkey


Turkey is renowned for its highly qualified healthcare professionals and modern hospitals equipped with advanced imaging technologies. Istanbul and Ankara have numerous cardiology centers that specialize in coronary angiography and other diagnostic procedures, attracting patients from around the world.

United Arab Emirates


The UAE offers world-class healthcare facilities, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These cities have internationally accredited hospitals with comprehensive cardiology departments that use the latest technology for coronary angiography and cardiac care.

Mexico


Mexico is a favored destination for North American patients seeking cost-effective cardiac care without long travel distances. Major cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey host hospitals with modern facilities and highly qualified cardiologists specializing in coronary angiography.

Risks & Considerations

  • Allergic Reaction to Contrast Dye: Some patients may experience allergic reactions to the contrast dye used in the procedure, ranging from mild rashes to severe reactions that require immediate intervention.
  • Bleeding or Bruising at the Insertion Site: Patients may experience bleeding or bruising where the catheter is inserted, particularly in procedures involving the groin.
  • Risk of Blood Clots: In rare cases, blood clots can form around the catheter, which could lead to complications, including stroke or heart attack.
  • Radiation Exposure: While generally low, radiation exposure from X-rays may pose a slight risk, especially for patients requiring frequent imaging procedures.
  • Infection: Any invasive procedure carries a risk of infection. Hospitals and clinics typically follow strict sterilization protocols to minimize this risk.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

When selecting a doctor or hospital for coronary angiography, it is essential to prioritize experience, accreditation, and technology. Start by researching cardiologists who specialize in interventional cardiology and have a proven track record with coronary angiography and related procedures. Reading patient reviews and seeking referrals from other medical professionals can help identify qualified doctors.

Choosing a hospital with modern imaging technology is also critical, as advanced equipment ensures accurate and timely results. Look for hospitals that follow international accreditation standards, which signal a commitment to quality care and safety protocols. By combining these considerations, medical tourists can make informed choices that align with their health needs and safety standards.

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.

Orthopedics Stem Cell

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If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.

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Patients now have a minimally invasive option. Stem cell therapy for back pain and disc herniations can potentially repair the damaged disc or facet joint, restore function, rehydrate the disc, and ultimately alleviate chronic pain.

Anti-Aging Stem Cell

Hair Loss

Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.

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Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.

Fertility Stem Cell

Endometrial PRP

The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.

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The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.

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