Stem Cell
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Stem cells have become a breakthrough in modern medicine due to their unique ability to develop into different cell types and regenerate damaged tissues. Stem cell therapy, also known as regenerative medicine, is used to replace, repair, or rejuvenate cells, tissues, or organs damaged by disease, trauma, or aging. The appeal lies in the potential of stem cells to address the root cause of diseases and injuries rather than merely treating symptoms.
There are different types of stem cells used in these therapies: embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The most commonly used type in therapy is adult stem cells, often harvested from the patient's bone marrow, fat, or blood. These stem cells are then isolated, expanded, and administered to the patient in a way that targets the specific area needing repair. The idea is to harness their innate ability to transform into a wide range of cells, offering therapeutic benefits for various medical conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune diseases, orthopedic injuries, and even some cancers.
While research and clinical trials for stem cell therapies are still ongoing, they have shown great potential in both regenerative and reparative medicine. For example, stem cell treatments are increasingly being used to regenerate damaged cartilage in joints, repair heart tissue after a heart attack, or address the immune system's dysfunction in autoimmune diseases. The innovative applications are varied, but the underlying concept remains consistent: promoting natural healing by replacing and restoring damaged cells.
Procedure Duration
The duration of stem cell therapy depends largely on the condition being treated, the source of stem cells, and the specific procedure involved. A typical stem cell therapy process can be broken down into three main phases: preparation, collection and processing, and administration.
Preparation Phase:
During this initial stage, the patient's overall health is assessed, and detailed information is collected about their condition and any medical history that might influence the procedure. Blood tests, imaging scans, or other diagnostic evaluations may be conducted to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for stem cell therapy. This phase usually takes a few days to weeks, depending on the complexity of the case and the extent of testing required.
Collection and Processing Phase:
Stem cells are harvested from the most appropriate source, which can be the patient's own body (autologous stem cells) or from a donor (allogeneic stem cells). Harvesting methods vary based on the source; for example, stem cells derived from bone marrow require a minimally invasive aspiration procedure, while those from adipose tissue may involve a liposuction process. Once collected, the cells are processed and purified in a lab setting to isolate the specific stem cells needed for treatment. This phase can take anywhere from a few hours to several days.
Administration Phase:
The prepared stem cells are then administered to the patient. The delivery method depends on the target area and can involve direct injections, intravenous infusions, or surgical implantation. The administration itself is usually a short process, typically lasting a few hours. Recovery times vary; for minimally invasive injections, patients might recover in a matter of days, while more involved surgical interventions might require weeks to months for full recovery. After treatment, follow-up evaluations are often required to monitor progress and efficacy.
Benefits
- Promotes Natural Healing: Stimulates the body’s own regenerative processes to repair damaged tissues and cells.
- Minimal Invasiveness: Most stem cell therapies are minimally invasive, often involving injections or minor surgical procedures.
- Potential for Various Conditions: Can be applied to a range of medical conditions, including orthopedic injuries, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders.
- Reduced Reliance on Medication: Offers a potential alternative to long-term medication use by targeting the root cause of symptoms.
- Personalized Treatment Approach: Therapy can be tailored to an individual's specific condition, using their own cells in autologous procedures to reduce rejection risks.
Potential Destinations for Stem Cell Treatment
- Mexico: Mexico is well-known for its advanced medical facilities and expertise in stem cell therapy. The country has regulations in place that allow certain innovative therapies not yet available in other countries, attracting many patients seeking cutting-edge treatments.
- Germany: With a strong focus on research and technology, Germany is at the forefront of regenerative medicine. Many clinics in Germany offer high standards of care, state-of-the-art equipment, and personalized stem cell treatments for various conditions, making it a popular destination for medical tourists.
- Thailand: Thailand has a growing reputation as a global medical tourism hub, offering world-class facilities and highly trained physicians. Stem cell therapy is increasingly available in Thai hospitals and clinics, which often combine advanced medical procedures with luxury hospitality at competitive prices.
- India: Known for its affordable and high-quality healthcare, India is a preferred destination for stem cell therapy. The country has numerous centers offering stem cell treatments for a wide range of conditions, backed by experienced professionals and research-driven methodologies.
- Turkey: Turkey's healthcare system has made significant advancements, particularly in regenerative medicine. Many Turkish hospitals and clinics provide stem cell therapy for a variety of conditions, boasting experienced medical teams and modern facilities that appeal to international patients.
Risks & Considerations
- Risk of Infection: Stem cell therapy often involves injections or minor surgical procedures, which carry a small risk of infection at the injection or surgical site.
- Unproven Efficacy for Some Conditions: While stem cell therapy has shown promise for certain conditions, it is still considered experimental for others. Patients should thoroughly research the treatment's effectiveness for their specific condition.
- Immune System Reactions: In some cases, especially with allogeneic stem cell transplants (from donors), the patient's immune system may react against the introduced cells, potentially leading to rejection or inflammation.
- Potential for Tumor Growth: There is a theoretical risk that stem cells could differentiate uncontrollably, leading to abnormal growths or tumors. This is an area of ongoing research and evaluation.
- Cost & Availability: Stem cell therapy can be expensive and is not always covered by insurance. Additionally, some treatments may not be widely available or approved in certain countries, making it essential to consider the financial and logistical aspects of seeking treatment abroad.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
Selecting the right doctor and hospital for stem cell therapy is crucial to ensure safety and optimal results. Patients should look for a medical facility that specializes in regenerative medicine and has experience with the specific condition being treated. Verifying the qualifications and experience of the healthcare professionals involved is essential. Look for certifications, ongoing research involvement, and positive patient reviews or testimonials as indicators of reputable practice.
It is also important to confirm that the hospital adheres to international standards for medical care and safety. A thorough consultation with the medical team, discussing all potential benefits, risks, and aftercare, will help the patient make an informed decision. Understanding the transparency of the facility regarding its protocols, success rates, and treatment methodology is key to choosing the right provider.
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
