Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Endovascular (Elective)

Steps Involved in IVF:

Procedure Description

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when a portion of the abdominal aorta, the body's largest artery, becomes weakened and bulges. This condition can be life-threatening if the aneurysm ruptures, as it leads to internal bleeding. To prevent this from occurring, one of the primary treatments is endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), which is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at reinforcing the artery wall to reduce the risk of rupture.

The endovascular repair involves inserting a stent graft through the femoral artery in the groin to the site of the aneurysm. This stent graft is a fabric-covered metallic tube that creates a new pathway for blood flow, bypassing the weakened section of the aorta. Since the graft is placed inside the vessel rather than through an open surgery approach, the recovery time is typically shorter, and patients experience fewer complications than with traditional open surgery.

Elective endovascular AAA repair is planned rather than emergency surgery, allowing patients to schedule it when they are stable and under optimal health conditions. This proactive approach greatly improves the safety and outcomes of the procedure, as emergency repairs carry significantly higher risks.

Procedure Duration

The EVAR procedure typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete. However, the exact time may vary based on the complexity of the aneurysm and the patient's overall health. The procedure is usually performed in a catheterization lab or an operating room equipped for endovascular surgeries, where advanced imaging techniques guide the insertion and placement of the stent graft.

  • Preparation Phase:
    During the preparation phase, the patient undergoes imaging tests like CT angiography or MRI to map out the anatomy of the aorta and the aneurysm. This imaging helps in planning the procedure and selecting the appropriate stent graft size.
  • Surgical Procedure Phase:
    Once the patient is sedated, the surgeon makes small incisions in the groin area to access the femoral arteries. A catheter is inserted through these arteries and guided toward the aneurysm. The stent graft is then deployed within the aneurysm, creating a new pathway for blood flow and relieving pressure from the aneurysm wall.
  • Recovery Phase:
    Post-procedure, patients are closely monitored in the hospital for one to two days, with an emphasis on observing vital signs, graft positioning, and any potential complications. Recovery is relatively quick compared to open surgery, and most patients can resume normal activities within one to two weeks.

Benefits

  • Minimally Invasive Approach: EVAR requires only small incisions, reducing postoperative pain and scarring.
  • Shorter Hospital Stay: Most patients are discharged within a couple of days, compared to open surgery which may require a hospital stay of 7-10 days.
  • Lower Risk of Complications: As a less invasive procedure, EVAR has a reduced risk of complications, such as infection and blood loss.
  • Quicker Recovery Time: Patients can return to their normal activities within 1-2 weeks, while recovery from open surgery may take months.
  • Option for High-Risk Patients: EVAR can be a safer alternative for patients who may not be suitable candidates for open surgery due to age or underlying health conditions.

Potential Destinations

  • Turkey
    Turkey has become a prominent destination for endovascular aneurysm repair due to its advanced medical facilities, experienced vascular surgeons, and cost-effective treatment options. Istanbul, in particular, is known for offering high-quality procedures at internationally accredited hospitals.
  • Thailand
    Thailand is renowned for its medical tourism infrastructure, offering AAA repair with modern technology, English-speaking staff, and personalized care. With a focus on patient comfort and efficient medical services, cities like Bangkok are popular for those seeking EVAR.
  • India
    India is an emerging destination for vascular surgery due to its highly qualified surgeons, state-of-the-art technology, and competitive pricing. Centers in major cities such as Mumbai and New Delhi provide comprehensive care and are known for their success rates in performing EVAR.
  • Mexico
    Proximity to the United States makes Mexico a preferred choice for North American patients looking for affordable and efficient AAA repair. Facilities in cities like Tijuana and Monterrey are equipped with modern endovascular technology and highly trained vascular specialists.
  • Singapore
    With its advanced healthcare system, Singapore offers cutting-edge procedures like EVAR in its world-class hospitals. Although costs may be higher compared to other destinations, the quality of care, safety standards, and efficiency make Singapore an excellent choice for elective aneurysm repair.

Risks & Considerations

  • Endoleak: A potential complication where blood leaks around the stent graft into the aneurysm sac, requiring close follow-up and sometimes further intervention.
  • Graft Migration or Kinking: Over time, the stent graft may move or become deformed, which can lead to inadequate blood flow or increase the risk of rupture.
  • Contrast Allergy or Renal Impairment: Since contrast dyes are used for imaging during EVAR, there is a risk of allergic reactions or kidney damage in susceptible patients.
  • Infection: Although rare, infection of the stent graft is a serious risk that may necessitate removal or replacement of the graft.
  • Limb Ischemia: The blood flow to the lower limbs can be compromised during or after the procedure, which may require further treatment to restore circulation.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

When selecting a doctor and hospital for endovascular AAA repair, it's essential to research thoroughly. Look for a vascular surgeon or interventional radiologist with specific training and experience in EVAR. It's also important to inquire about the surgeon’s track record with AAA repairs, including their complication rates and patient outcomes.

Choose a hospital that has advanced imaging technology and a specialized vascular team experienced in handling complex endovascular cases. Accreditation by international healthcare bodies may indicate adherence to high-quality standards, ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes. Additionally, ensure that the facility offers comprehensive preoperative assessments, postoperative care, and follow-up services, which are critical to the success of 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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