Double Valve Replacement
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Double valve replacement is a highly specialized cardiac surgery in which two of the heart’s four valves are replaced. This procedure is typically performed on patients suffering from severe valve dysfunction in both the aortic and mitral valves, which regulate blood flow within the heart and to the body. When these valves are damaged or fail, they disrupt the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, leading to symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, and swelling. Valve dysfunction can result from congenital defects, aging, infection, or diseases such as rheumatic heart disease and endocarditis.
During a double valve replacement, surgeons replace the defective valves with either mechanical or biological (tissue) valves. Mechanical valves, often made from durable materials like carbon, last longer and are ideal for younger patients but require lifelong anticoagulant therapy to prevent blood clots. Biological valves, derived from pig or cow tissues, tend to have a more natural function but may need replacement in 10-15 years. This decision is carefully discussed between the patient and surgeon, considering age, lifestyle, and potential contraindications.
The procedure itself is performed under general anesthesia and typically involves opening the chest to access the heart. Surgeons use a heart-lung machine to take over the heart's function temporarily while they replace the valves. In some cases, a less invasive approach, such as a mini-thoracotomy or robotic-assisted surgery, might be possible. These advanced techniques reduce recovery time, though they may not be suitable for all patients. Each approach is chosen based on the patient’s condition, medical history, and overall health.
Procedure Duration
The double valve replacement procedure usually takes around four to six hours, depending on the patient’s health and the complexity of the surgery. The operation begins with preoperative preparations, which include administering general anesthesia and preparing the patient’s body for surgery. Once anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon makes an incision to open the chest and access the heart, using a heart-lung machine to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation while the heart is temporarily stopped.
The first step of the surgery is to carefully remove the diseased or malfunctioning valves. Precision is essential to avoid damaging surrounding heart structures and to ensure that the replacement valves can be securely placed. Each valve is then replaced with either a mechanical or tissue valve, which has been predetermined based on the patient’s needs and preferences. After securing the new valves, the heart is restarted, and surgeons observe its function to confirm that the new valves are working correctly.
After the surgery, the patient is typically moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring. Recovery from double valve replacement requires a hospital stay of around 5-10 days, depending on individual progress. The first few days in the ICU focus on stabilizing heart and lung functions, while the remaining days focus on gradually increasing physical activity. Complete recovery at home may take several weeks to months, during which time patients will work on regaining their strength through cardiac rehabilitation, follow a specific diet, and adhere to a medication regimen to prevent complications.
Benefits
- Improved Heart Function: Replacing damaged valves improves the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, reducing symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients often experience a significant improvement in their daily activities and overall quality of life after recovering from the surgery.
- Increased Longevity: Properly functioning valves reduce the risk of heart failure and other cardiac complications, potentially extending life expectancy.
- Reduced Symptoms: By correcting valve issues, patients experience relief from symptoms associated with heart valve disease, such as chest pain, swelling, and dizziness.
- Minimized Hospital Readmissions: Successful valve replacement reduces the likelihood of recurrent hospital admissions related to heart valve issues.
Potential Destinations
1. India
India is a top destination for heart surgeries, offering highly qualified cardiac surgeons, state-of-the-art facilities, and cost-effective medical care. Many hospitals in India are internationally accredited and are known for their experience in complex cardiac procedures, including double valve replacements.
2. Thailand
Thailand is known for its medical tourism infrastructure, blending advanced medical technology with affordable healthcare. The country has several specialized heart centers that provide double valve replacements, often at a fraction of the cost in Western countries.
3. Turkey
With a rapidly growing reputation in medical tourism, Turkey provides excellent cardiac care with internationally trained cardiologists and modern hospitals. Patients often choose Turkey for its competitive pricing and renowned post-operative care, which includes comprehensive rehabilitation services.
4. Mexico
Mexico has become a popular choice for patients seeking affordable and high-quality cardiac surgery close to the United States. Equipped with advanced cardiac centers and well-trained surgeons, Mexico offers competitive rates and convenient access, especially for North American patients.
5. Singapore
Singapore is renowned for its healthcare standards, particularly in cardiovascular care. Its hospitals are equipped with cutting-edge technology, and the healthcare system emphasizes patient safety and surgical success. Although more costly, Singapore remains a premium option for patients seeking top-tier medical care.
Risks & Considerations
- Blood Clots: Patients receiving mechanical valves must take blood thinners for life, as clots can form on the valve surface, increasing the risk of stroke or other complications.
- Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, especially in the heart, which can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.
- Valve Durability: Biological valves may require replacement within 10-15 years, meaning that younger patients might need another surgery later in life.
- Bleeding Risks: Anticoagulant therapy, essential for mechanical valve recipients, increases the risk of bleeding complications, requiring careful monitoring.
- Arrhythmias: Post-surgery, some patients may experience irregular heart rhythms, requiring further treatment or a pacemaker.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When selecting a doctor and hospital for a double valve replacement, prioritize providers with extensive experience in complex cardiac surgeries. Look for cardiac surgeons who have specific expertise in valve replacement procedures and belong to professional organizations, indicating a commitment to ongoing education and adherence to best practices. Reviews, success rates, and patient testimonials can offer insight into the quality of care.
Choosing the right hospital is equally important. Seek hospitals accredited by internationally recognized bodies, which ensures compliance with high standards of care, hygiene, and patient safety. Facilities specializing in cardiac surgeries typically offer the latest technology and an experienced cardiac team, including specialized nurses, anesthesiologists, and support staff. With proper research and preparation, patients can find the ideal environment to support a safe, effective double valve replacement procedure.
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
Knee
Research on mesenchymal stem cells regenerative properties in knee osteoarthritis. In these studies, researchers suggest that Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to regenerate lost cartilage, stop and reverse cartilage degeneration, provide pain relief, and improve patient mobility.
Shoulder
Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative to Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Stem cell therapy may offer an excellent alternative for patients looking to avoid shoulder joint replacement surgery, as well as many other surgical treatments for shoulder pain.
Ankle
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.
Back Pain
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.
Facial Anti-Aging
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.
Low Ovarian Reserve (PRP)
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.
Punta Mita Hospital
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
