heart bypass Surgery and procedures Overseas
With Medtral New Zealand, you can have your coronary artery bypass surgery performed by a highly qualified and experienced English-speaking cardiac surgeon, in a world-class private hospital – and enjoy comprehensive aftercare both in hospital and while recuperating in your high quality hotel. Medtral New Zealand makes the whole process of heart bypass surgery abroad easy by taking care of every detail, so you can focus your energies on getting better.
Affordable heart bypass surgery overseas packages
Our coronary artery bypass surgery packages cost from US$37,300 (expected stay in New Zealand 4-6 weeks). This package price is around 30-40% the cost of the procedure alone in the USA and includes
- hospital stay of 6-7 days in a single room
- all surgical procedures and expected medical costs
- physical therapy + dietitian advice
- aftercare in your hotel (nurse visits + physical therapy)
- contingency insurance (to cover any serious adverse events).
What is coronary artery disease?
As people age, the walls of the coronary arteries often develop deposits of a fatty substance called plaque. (See the illustration of a coronary artery below showing the fatty build up.) This process is called coronary artery disease or artherosclerosis.
If enough plaque is formed it reduces the blood flow through the coronary arteries, which in turn slows down the blood flow to the heart muscle. This can lead to recurrent chest pains called angina.
How do I know if my coronary arteries are narrowed?
Your cardiologist will ask you to undergo a full cardiac evaluation, which will include:
- an EKG/ECG electrocardiogram (electrical reading of your heart)
- chest x-ray examination
- cardiac catheterization – an examination of the inside of the heart using special dyes that show up when exposed to x-rays. During cardiac catheterization, a fine tube (catheter) is inserted into the femoral artery (groin) or the radial artery (wrist); this tube is then advanced into the heart. This allows:
- imaging of the coronary arteries to show up any narrowings - called an angiogram
- imaging of the pumping chambers of the heart – called a ventriculogram
- imaging of the aorta – called an aortogram
- pressure measurements around the heart to be taken
- the creation of a “map” to be made of your heart for the surgeon to follow.
What are the risks of surgery?
Wound Infection. All surgery has a risk of infection. It is important not to have any infections at the time of surgery, including teeth problems, bladder or skin infections. It is recommended that you have a dental check up within six months prior to surgery, as it is important not to have any major dental work for 6 months after the surgery.
Blood clots. Blood clots in the leg can be a complication of any major surgery. Such clots can form in the calf muscles and can travel to the lung (pulmonary embolism). These can occasionally be serious, even life-threatening and require treatment.
Scarring. Most incisions heal well, but a few people develop raised or widened scars. Infection in the wound or areas of movement increases the risks of adverse scarring.
Specific risks of CABG surgery:
Mortality. Overall, New Zealand and Australia have a very low mortality rate associated with this operation, and the risk of not having the surgery can be associated with a higher risk of dying. The risk of death (or serious complications) increases with increasing age, other serious illness, heart damage, urgency of operation, and recurrent surgery.
Bleeding. This is the most common complication. About 5 patients in 100 require further surgery to control excessive blood loss. In most cases, this resolves well with no further adverse effects.
Stroke. The risk of stroke or cerebrovascular accident increases significantly with age and disease of the aorta, but it is an uncommon complication. The effects of a stroke may be temporary and resolve over a few days, or may be permanent and include:
- a loss of feeling or sensation in a part of the body
- paralysis of one side of the body, arm or leg
- speech difficulties or visual disturbances.
Infection of the breastbone (sternum). Infections of the breastbone usually require a stay in hospital and a course of antibiotics. Occasionally surgical intervention is required.
Arrhythmia (irregular heart beat). The most common arrhythmia after CABG is atrial fibrillation. This is usually treated with medication. Uncommonly, a serious irregular rhythm can occur and may require an electric shock to correct it. If you feel palpitations after you go home, speak to your cardiologist. If palpitations do not subside after a few minutes or if you feel unwell or dizzy, call an ambulance.
Graft failure. A graft may not successfully bypass a blockage or narrowing. The graft may become blocked with a blood clot, and this could lead to a heart attack.
Mood swings. It is common for patients to have some anxiety and loss of confidence related to their heart and general health but this usually improves during the weeks following surgery.
Cognitive function. Many patients have some impairment of short-term memory and some difficulty with concentration and visual blurring. As such symptoms usually occur during the first few weeks, driving is not allowed for four to six weeks after CABG. It is not unusual for six to nine months to pass before symptoms resolve completely.
Graft occlusion. Over the years, one or more grafts may become occluded over several years. Also the coronary artery disease may progress in the grafted or ungrafted arteries. Another operation may be necessary.
Other risks: Although uncommon, numerous other risks of CABG surgery exist, including temporary or permanent kidney damage/ blood infection/permanent pacemaker due to changes in the heart rhythm/accumulation of fluid around the heart and in lung cavities that may require drainage/ accumulation of air in the chest (pneumothorax) that may require temporary drainage.
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