Cardio-Oncology
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Cardio-oncology is not a single procedure but rather a multidisciplinary approach to care. It involves a comprehensive range of diagnostic tests, treatments, and interventions that monitor and manage the heart health of cancer patients. The primary focus is on detecting cardiotoxicity, a harmful effect on the heart caused by cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. Certain cancer drugs, especially those targeting cancer cells aggressively, can also affect the heart muscle, blood vessels, or electrical conduction system, leading to heart failure, arrhythmias, or hypertension.
Patients typically begin with an initial consultation with a cardio-oncologist, who will assess their risk of cardiovascular problems based on factors like age, type of cancer, treatment regimen, and pre-existing heart conditions. This assessment often includes a series of diagnostic tests, such as echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (ECG), cardiac MRI, and blood tests to measure biomarkers indicative of heart stress or damage.
During cancer treatment, regular cardiovascular monitoring is essential. Cardio-oncologists collaborate closely with oncologists to adjust cancer therapies if cardiovascular issues arise. In some cases, medications that protect the heart, such as beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors, may be prescribed proactively. For patients already experiencing cardiovascular issues, the goal is to modify cancer treatments to minimize further heart damage while still effectively targeting the cancer.
After cancer treatment, cardio-oncology care often continues. Cancer survivors remain at an elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases, and ongoing monitoring is essential to catch and treat conditions early. Lifestyle modifications, cardiac rehabilitation, and continued medication management may be part of a long-term plan to maintain heart health in cancer survivors.
Procedure Duration
The duration of cardio-oncology care varies significantly depending on the patient's cancer type, treatment, and overall health. Typically, the cardio-oncology process starts at the same time as cancer treatment and continues throughout the patient’s life, emphasizing the long-term nature of cardiovascular monitoring.
- Initial Consultation and Testing: The first phase of cardio-oncology care involves a detailed cardiovascular evaluation, which may take place over a few days or weeks, depending on the urgency and complexity of the cancer treatment plan. Diagnostic testing is done to establish a baseline of heart function before cancer treatments begin.
- During Cancer Treatment: Throughout the cancer treatment period, which can last from several weeks to months, cardio-oncology specialists frequently monitor the heart’s function. Checkups may be scheduled every few weeks or months, depending on the specific cancer therapies being used and their known cardiovascular effects.
- Post-Treatment and Long-Term Follow-Up: Even after cancer treatment concludes, the cardio-oncology phase does not end. Long-term follow-up care is crucial as cardiovascular issues can develop months or years after the completion of cancer therapy. This phase can involve periodic checkups, continuous medication adjustments, and potentially participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs, all of which aim to optimize heart health for the rest of the patient's life.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Cardiovascular Care for Cancer Patients: Cardio-oncology provides a thorough approach to managing both cancer and cardiovascular health simultaneously.
- Early Detection of Cardiotoxicity: Regular monitoring allows for early detection of heart-related side effects, enabling timely intervention.
- Improved Quality of Life: By addressing cardiovascular complications early, patients can continue cancer treatments with fewer disruptions.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Cardio-oncologists tailor treatment plans to balance the need for effective cancer therapies with the need to protect heart health.
- Long-Term Monitoring: Continued care ensures that cardiovascular risks are managed long after cancer treatments have ended, contributing to better long-term health outcomes.
Potential Destinations
- Germany: Known for its cutting-edge medical technology and expertise in both cardiology and oncology, Germany is an excellent destination for cardio-oncology treatment. The country offers comprehensive care plans and access to advanced diagnostic tools.
- India: With its growing reputation for affordable, high-quality medical care, India has become a leader in cancer and heart disease treatments. Many hospitals here offer specialized cardio-oncology programs at a fraction of the cost found in other countries.
- Turkey: As a hub for medical tourism, Turkey has state-of-the-art facilities and experienced specialists in both cardiology and oncology. Cardio-oncology units are often integrated within large cancer centers, ensuring a seamless approach to care.
- Spain: Spain is known for its excellent healthcare system and world-renowned cardiology and oncology departments. Many hospitals in Spain offer cardio-oncology services, focusing on preventing and managing cardiotoxicity in cancer patients.
- South Korea: South Korea’s medical technology is among the most advanced in the world. With a reputation for precision in both cancer and heart disease treatments, South Korea offers top-notch cardio-oncology services with a focus on innovation and patient care.
Risks & Considerations
- Cardiotoxicity: One of the primary risks associated with cardio-oncology is the development of cardiotoxicity due to cancer treatments. This can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, or other cardiovascular complications.
- Long-Term Medication Use: Patients may require long-term medication, such as beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors, to manage heart issues, which can have their own side effects and risks.
- Monitoring Challenges: Frequent cardiovascular monitoring can be burdensome for some patients, particularly those already undergoing intensive cancer treatments.
- Limited Expertise in Some Regions: Cardio-oncology is still a developing field, and access to specialists may be limited in certain parts of the world.
- Balancing Treatment Goals: Adjusting cancer therapies to minimize cardiovascular risk can sometimes limit the effectiveness of cancer treatment, requiring careful coordination between specialists.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When seeking cardio-oncology care, selecting the right doctor and hospital is crucial. Patients should prioritize facilities with dedicated cardio-oncology units or a strong collaboration between cardiology and oncology departments. Look for hospitals that offer comprehensive diagnostic services, including advanced imaging technologies and specialized cardiovascular testing, to ensure early detection and management of heart issues.
It is also essential to choose a doctor with specific expertise in cardio-oncology. This can involve checking the physician’s credentials, years of experience, and whether they have been involved in clinical research or trials related to cancer treatment-induced cardiotoxicity. Additionally, patients should feel comfortable asking their doctor about their approach to balancing cancer treatment with cardiovascular care and how they tailor treatment plans to each patient’s individual risks.
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
