-
A coronary angioplasty is the procedure for treating a narrowed coronary artery, which often occurs, for example, in the case of coronary artery diseases. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, but requires that the patient be specially monitored throughout.
A coronary angioplasty is also sometimes called transluminal dilation, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or percutaneous coronary intervention.
The first step of a coronary angioplasty is to perform coronary angiography. This procedure uses contrast dye and X-ray images to detect blockages in the coronary arteries.
A balloon is then used to stretch open the narrowed or blocked artery, which in turn crushes the atheroma plaque enabling the diameter of the artery to be enlarged once more. The balloon is then deflated and blood flow restored. A radiological check is then carried out to confirm there are no longer any obstructions.
The decision may be taken to insert a stent (a small mesh tube) into the artery during the procedure. This is left in place permanently and allows blood to flow more freely.
In order to avoid the formation of clots, which could block the coronary artery again in the future, "active stents" are now often put in place. These stents are coated with substances that prevent the phenomenon of "re-clogging".
Average length of stay in France 3-7 days
Number of days in hospital 1-2 days
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
-
Coronary artery disease (CAD), also often referred to as coronary heart disease (CHD), is the term used to describe what happens when the heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries – which can cause angina, heart attacks and heart failure.
A coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), commonly referred to as a heart bypass, is a common surgical procedure performed on the heart to negate coronary artery disease and coronary heart disease.
The surgeon will identify and remove a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body – usually the chest, leg or arm. They will then attach it to the coronary artery both above and below the blocked section, effectively bypassing it. The newly attached blood vessel is known as a graft.
The whole procedure is performed using a general anaesthetic.
There are two methods for performing a coronary artery bypass:
1. Beating heart surgery , also known as off-pump surgery, beating heart surgery is done
while the heart is beating. This often requires special equipment that allows the surgeon
to operate on the heart while it is beating. This type of heart surgery is appropriate for certain
types of patients.
2. Arrested heart surgery is performed through an incision in the chest while
the heart is stopped and a heart-lung bypass machine takes over the job of circulating the blood. This is
called arrested heart surgery or conventional bypass surgery.
Average length of stay in France 4-6 days
Number of days in hospital 1-2 days
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor
about diagnosis and treatment information.
-
An aortic heart valve replacement is performed to treat problems with the heart’s aortic valve, which controls the flow of blood out of the heart. The replacement surgery literally sees the aortic valve removed and replaced with one made from synthetic materials or animal tissue. The choice of replacement valve used depends on a person’s age, lifestyle, anatomical condition, possibility of long-term anticoagulant treatment and cardiac muscle condition.
Aortic valve replacement surgery is designed for patients with aortic stenosis (the valve has become narrowed) and aortic regurgitation (the valve is leaky).
The procedure is carried out using a general anaesthetic. The patient’s heart is stopped and a heart-lung bypass machine used during the procedure.
Aortic valve problems cannot be treated using medicine, which is why an aortic valve replacement is often recommended for patients who are well enough to undergo surgery.
Average length of stay in France 7-10 days
Number of days in hospital 4-8 weeks
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor
about diagnosis and treatment information.
-
Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation/replacement is a non-surgical technique for replacing a person’s pulmonary valve. It is used to treat patients who are not recommended for open heart surgery.
An artificial heart valve attached to a wire frame is placed inside a thin, hollow, flexible tube (catheter). This is then guided to the heart through a vein (usually at the top of the leg or a neck vein). Once in place, a tiny balloon fitted to the end of the catheter is inflated to open the new valve in position, replacing the old one. The catheter is then removed.
The new valve is then able to help the heart pump blood correctly.
Average length of stay in France 10-15 days
Number of days in hospital 5-10 days
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor
about diagnosis and treatment information.
-
CRT is a special type of pacemaker that’s a clinically proven treatment option for some patients with heart failure.
It sends small electrical impulses to both lower chambers of the heart to help them beat together in a more synchronised pattern. This may improve the heart’s ability to pump blood and oxygen around the body.
A CRT is made up of two parts: the heart device, which is actually a tiny computer, and a battery contained in a small titanium case that is about the size of a pocket watch. Insulated wires called leads are implanted to carry information signals from your heart to the heart device and to carry electrical impulses to your heart.
After the device system is implanted, an external computer, called a programmer, located at your doctor's office or clinic can be used to program the heart device and retrieve information from it that will assist your doctor with your heart failure treatment. Your doctor will schedule periodic monitoring which may be done remotely if the physician deems appropriate.
Average length of stay in France 8-10 days
Number of days in hospital 2-5 days
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor
about diagnosis and treatment information.
-
A pacemaker is a small device that sends electrical pulses to you heart to keep it beating correctly and not too slowly. People with slow heart rates can dramatically improve their lives by having a pacemaker fitted.
Pacemaker implantations are among the most common heart procedures carried out in the world each year.
Many people assume that a patient requires open heart surgery for a pacemaker to be fitted. They don’t. In fact, the procedure is carried out using a local anaesthetic and most people are able to go home within 24 hours of the procedure being completed.
Prior to the surgery, the patient may be given medication to make them sleepy and comfortable.
A small incision, approximately 5 cm long, is made in the patient’s upper chest so that the pacemaker can be inserted. It is then attached to wire that is guided through a blood vessel to the heart.
The pacemaker is then programmed by a doctor and checked to ensure correct operation before the incision is closed.
The whole procedure usually takes just one hour.
Average length of stay in France 3-7 days
Number of days in hospital 1-2 days
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor
about diagnosis and treatment information.
-
Who should undergo health risk assessment?
• Anyone over the age of 40
• People with a strong family history of early cardiovascular disease
• Anyone who has a first-degree relative with a serious hereditary lipid disorder
What does the assessment involve?
• Cardiovascular explorations by a cardiologist
• Medical consultation with internist
• Urinalysis (microalbuminuria)
• Specific blood tests (anaemia, diabetes screening, cholesterol, liver, kidney, other cardiovascular risk markers)
• Medical technical exams, including blood pressure & monitoring, electrocardiogram, impedance measurement, echocardiogram
• Exercise electrocardiogram for men
• Coronary calcium score and/ or exercise electrocardiogram for women
A detailed report of examination & results is sent to the patient through their secure file on the www.france-surgery.com web portal within just a few days.
Average length of stay in France 2-3 days
Number of days in hospital 1/2 day
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor
about diagnosis and treatment information.
