PET Scans
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is a sophisticated imaging test designed to capture detailed, three-dimensional images of the body's internal organs and structures. It is particularly useful for detecting conditions like cancer, neurological disorders, and heart diseases. During the PET scan, a radioactive substance is administered to the patient—usually through an intravenous injection—along with a special dye. These agents travel throughout the bloodstream and collect in areas of the body that have higher levels of chemical activity, thereby enabling the scanner to capture high-definition images.
The need for a PET scan often arises when other imaging techniques, like X-rays or CT scans, are unable to provide the required level of detail. For example, a PET scan is highly effective for locating tumors, evaluating the severity of heart conditions, or exploring the extent of brain disorders. This type of scan can also be a crucial component in staging cancers, enabling doctors to ascertain the extent of the disease and formulate an effective treatment plan accordingly.
While PET scans are invaluable diagnostic tools, they are not universally applicable. Your healthcare provider will typically recommend a PET scan based on your specific medical history, symptoms, and the need for detailed imaging to diagnose or manage your condition.
Procedure Duration
The overall duration of a PET scan procedure can vary but generally takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. Prior to the scan, the radioactive substance and special dye are administered, which can take around 30 to 60 minutes to circulate effectively through the body. After this period, the actual scanning procedure will begin, which itself usually lasts for around 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the area of the body being scanned.
Once the scanning process is completed, there is generally little to no recovery time required. Most patients can immediately resume their regular activities unless advised otherwise by their healthcare provider. The radioactive substance used during the scan is typically flushed out from the system naturally within a few hours. You may be advised to drink plenty of water to help expedite this process.
Results from the scan are usually available within a few days, although this can vary depending on the healthcare facility. It's essential to follow up with your healthcare provider for a thorough understanding of the results and subsequent steps for treatment if necessary.
Benefits
- Cost-Effectiveness: Undergoing a PET scan abroad can be significantly less expensive than in some Western countries, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious patients.
- Advanced Technology: Many overseas healthcare facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art scanning technology, ensuring you receive a quality diagnosis.
- Skilled Professionals: Countries popular for medical tourism often have highly trained medical personnel who specialize in diagnostic imaging.
Potential Destinations
- India: Offers high-quality healthcare services at relatively low costs.
- Germany: Known for cutting-edge medical technology and research.
- Thailand: Combines quality healthcare services with an excellent patient experience.
- South Korea: Renowned for technological advancements in the medical field.
Risks & Considerations
- Travel Arrangements: Consider travel restrictions, visa requirements, and travel time to and from the destination.
- Quality Assurance: Research whether the chosen healthcare facility is internationally accredited to ensure a standard of care.
- Language Barriers: Ensure that medical staff are proficient in a language you are comfortable with to avoid misunderstandings.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
- Check for International Accreditation: Ensure the facility has recognized accreditation.
- Examine Physician Credentials: Look for a doctor with a track record in diagnostic imaging and specialized training in conducting PET scans.
- Read Patient Reviews: These can give you valuable insights into the quality of care and patient satisfaction.
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
