Percutaneous Transluminal Carotid Angioplasty (With or Without Stent)

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Procedure Description

Percutaneous Transluminal Carotid Angioplasty (PTCA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat carotid artery stenosis, a condition where the carotid arteries in the neck become narrowed due to plaque buildup. This narrowing can restrict blood flow to the brain and increase the risk of stroke. PTCA, with or without stent placement, aims to open the narrowed arteries and restore proper blood circulation, reducing the likelihood of stroke or other complications associated with carotid artery disease.

The procedure involves inserting a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) into a blood vessel, usually in the groin, and threading it through the vascular system to the carotid artery. A balloon is then inflated at the site of the blockage to widen the artery, flattening the plaque against the artery wall. In many cases, a stent, a small mesh tube, is placed at the site of the narrowing to help keep the artery open and prevent restenosis (re-narrowing).

PTCA is generally considered a safer and less invasive alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA), a traditional open surgical procedure to remove plaque from the carotid arteries. PTCA can be performed with or without stenting, and the decision depends on factors like the extent of artery narrowing, the patient's overall health, and the surgeon's assessment.

Procedure Duration

The duration of PTCA can vary depending on the complexity of the arterial blockage, the patient's anatomy, and whether a stent is placed. Typically, the procedure takes between 1 to 2 hours. However, pre-procedural preparation and post-procedural monitoring can extend the total time the patient spends in the medical facility.

The procedure can be broken down into several phases. The first phase is preparation, which includes local anesthesia and potentially some sedative medication to keep the patient calm. The physician then makes a small incision in the groin or wrist area to access the blood vessel. The catheter is threaded through the vascular system until it reaches the carotid artery, where the blockage has been identified.

The second phase is the angioplasty itself, where the balloon catheter is positioned at the site of narrowing and inflated to widen the artery. If stenting is part of the treatment plan, the stent will be placed once the balloon is deflated and withdrawn. After the procedure, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding.

The recovery phase generally involves monitoring in a recovery room for a few hours to ensure that no complications occur, such as bleeding or changes in neurological function. Many patients can go home the same day, but some may require an overnight stay for observation. Full recovery typically takes about one week, with most patients advised to avoid strenuous activities during this period.

Benefits

  • Minimally Invasive: PTCA is a less invasive procedure compared to open surgery, requiring only a small incision and generally resulting in a faster recovery time.
  • Reduced Risk of Stroke: It effectively reduces the risk of stroke by improving blood flow in the carotid arteries.
  • Shorter Hospital Stay: Most patients can return home the same day or after a short hospital stay, making it a convenient option.
  • Lower Risk of Complications: Compared to carotid endarterectomy, PTCA has a lower risk of complications related to surgery, such as infections and nerve damage.
  • Suitable for High-Risk Patients: PTCA can be a preferable option for patients who are not suitable candidates for traditional surgery due to their age or medical conditions.

Potential Destinations

  • Germany
    Known for its state-of-the-art medical technology and well-trained specialists, Germany is an attractive destination for PTCA. Many hospitals have international departments to assist medical tourists, offering high-quality care and innovative techniques.
  • Turkey
    Turkey has become a hub for medical tourism, providing world-class healthcare services at more affordable costs. The country has numerous JCI-accredited hospitals and cardiovascular specialists who are experienced in performing PTCA.
  • Thailand
    Renowned for its hospitality and advanced healthcare infrastructure, Thailand offers excellent medical services for PTCA. With internationally trained cardiologists and well-equipped facilities, the country ensures high standards of care for medical tourists.
  • India
    India is known for providing high-quality medical care at competitive prices. With a vast number of specialized centers for cardiology and internationally trained surgeons, India offers accessible options for those seeking PTCA while maintaining high standards.
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE)
    The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has emerged as a destination for medical tourism. Its healthcare facilities are equipped with advanced technology, and international cardiologists often practice in these hospitals, making it a preferred choice for PTCA.

Risks & Considerations

  • Restenosis: Despite the use of stents, there is a risk that the artery might narrow again over time. Regular follow-up is necessary to monitor the treated artery.
  • Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Though the procedure aims to prevent strokes, there is a small risk that debris dislodged during angioplasty could travel to the brain and cause a stroke or TIA.
  • Bleeding at the Catheter Site: The insertion site in the groin or wrist can sometimes bleed, bruise, or develop a hematoma. This requires monitoring and, in some cases, medical intervention.
  • Infection: As with any procedure involving an incision, there is a risk of infection at the catheter insertion site, though it is typically low with proper hygiene and care.
  • Allergic Reaction to Contrast Dye: During PTCA, a contrast dye is used to visualize the arteries. Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the dye, though pre-procedural tests can often identify this risk.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

Choosing the right doctor and hospital for PTCA is crucial to ensure a successful outcome and reduce the risk of complications. Look for a hospital that has specialized cardiology and vascular departments with up-to-date technology and equipment. Verify that the medical facility holds international accreditation and adheres to stringent healthcare standards.

When selecting a physician, consider a doctor with extensive experience in performing PTCA, especially if stenting is involved. Look for board certification in cardiology or vascular medicine and check for reviews or patient testimonials. A reputable hospital should offer a dedicated international patient services team to assist with travel arrangements, cost estimates, and coordination of care before, during, and after the 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.

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