Minimally Invasive Surgery - Aortic and Mitral Valve Replacements
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Minimally invasive aortic and mitral valve replacement surgeries are designed to treat severe heart valve diseases, including aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, mitral stenosis, and mitral regurgitation. The procedure aims to replace dysfunctional heart valves that no longer function effectively in regulating blood flow through the heart.
In these surgeries, small incisions are made between the ribs rather than a single large incision down the chest, as is common in open-heart surgery. The approach can vary depending on the patient’s condition, health history, and other factors, and may be performed through a right mini-thoracotomy (small incision on the right side of the chest) or a mini-sternotomy (small incision in the upper chest). Advanced surgical equipment, such as video-assisted technology or robotic arms, may assist in the procedure, providing surgeons with precise control and visualization.
During a minimally invasive valve replacement, the surgeon removes the damaged or diseased valve and replaces it with a prosthetic valve. Prosthetic options may be mechanical (requiring lifelong blood-thinning medication) or biological (requiring fewer medications but potentially needing replacement over time). This decision is tailored to the patient’s age, lifestyle, and preference.
Minimally invasive valve replacement surgeries typically involve fewer trauma to the body, less blood loss, and a lower risk of complications compared to open-heart procedures. However, not all patients are candidates for minimally invasive options. Careful preoperative screening, including echocardiograms, CT scans, and other imaging, is critical to assess the suitability of each patient.
Procedure Duration
The duration of a minimally invasive aortic or mitral valve replacement surgery can vary based on the specific technique used, patient health, and complexity of the case. Generally, the procedure takes between two to four hours, though the use of advanced robotic or endoscopic equipment may impact timing.
- Surgery Time: The surgery itself, from the initial incision to the closure, usually lasts around three hours. Surgeons aim to minimize time on the cardiopulmonary bypass machine, which temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery. Reducing time on bypass is crucial for patient safety and aids in faster recovery.
- Immediate Recovery: After surgery, patients typically spend 24-48 hours in an intensive care unit (ICU), where vital signs, heart function, and other parameters are closely monitored. Nurses and medical staff work diligently to manage pain, ensure stability, and prevent any immediate complications.
- Full Recovery Timeline: While traditional open-heart surgery recovery can extend up to three months, minimally invasive procedures often reduce this to four to six weeks. Patients can generally resume light activities within a few weeks and return to full activities by six weeks, depending on individual progress.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Aortic and Mitral Valve Replacement
- Reduced Recovery Time: Patients often return to normal activities sooner, thanks to smaller incisions and less disruption to surrounding tissues.
- Lower Risk of Complications: Less blood loss and reduced exposure to infection risk make minimally invasive options safer for many patients.
- Decreased Postoperative Pain: Smaller incisions mean less pain and discomfort during recovery.
- Better Cosmetic Outcomes: Minimal scarring due to smaller incisions is appealing for patients concerned about post-surgical aesthetics.
- Improved Heart Function and Quality of Life: Successful valve replacement can enhance overall heart function, leading to better health and longevity.
Potential Destinations
- Germany: Renowned for its advanced healthcare infrastructure, Germany provides highly specialized care in minimally invasive heart surgeries. The country’s hospitals offer state-of-the-art technology, skilled surgeons, and streamlined patient care, making it an ideal choice for medical tourists.
- South Korea: South Korea is a leader in high-tech, minimally invasive medical procedures, including aortic and mitral valve replacements. Known for its quality healthcare system and modern hospitals, South Korea attracts patients worldwide looking for skilled surgical teams and cutting-edge equipment.
- Turkey: Offering affordable yet high-quality medical care, Turkey has emerged as a popular destination for minimally invasive heart surgeries. Turkish hospitals boast skilled cardiothoracic surgeons and competitive prices, combined with an impressive track record in cardiac care.
- India: India’s hospitals are recognized for delivering quality cardiac care, and many offer minimally invasive heart surgeries at significantly lower costs compared to Western countries. With specialized programs for international patients, India remains a preferred destination for heart procedures.
- Singapore: Known for its stringent healthcare standards and technologically advanced medical facilities, Singapore provides excellent minimally invasive surgical options. The country’s hospitals are staffed by experienced professionals trained to handle complex cardiac surgeries with precision.
Risks & Considerations
- Potential Complications: As with any surgery, risks include infection, blood clots, and bleeding. Although minimized, these risks are still present and need to be carefully managed.
- Prosthetic Valve Risks: Mechanical valves require lifelong anticoagulation therapy, while biological valves may need replacement after 10-15 years, especially in younger patients.
- Recovery Challenges: Although reduced, recovery still involves physical limitations and potential discomfort, especially in older patients or those with comorbidities.
- Anesthesia Risks: Risks related to anesthesia include allergic reactions or respiratory issues. Experienced anesthesiologists are crucial for safe procedure management.
- Reoperation Possibility: There is a chance that reoperation might be necessary if the prosthetic valve fails or another heart issue arises.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
Selecting the right doctor and hospital is crucial for a successful minimally invasive valve replacement. Start by looking for a cardiothoracic surgeon with extensive experience in minimally invasive procedures, particularly in aortic and mitral valve replacements. Board certification, years of practice, and specialization in valve replacement techniques are key indicators of quality.
Equally important is choosing a hospital with a dedicated cardiac unit and access to advanced minimally invasive surgical technology. Top hospitals for this procedure often feature teams that work collaboratively, including cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, and post-operative care specialists, ensuring comprehensive and safe patient care. Additionally, look for facilities with established international patient programs, as they can offer seamless logistical support, from travel arrangements to personalized recovery plans.
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
