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Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to widen the blocked arteries and veins of the body and it is also known as balloon angioplasty. It is mainly a treatment option for atherosclerosis, with this disease, fat plaques are deposited into your blood vessels and it can be deposited in both arteries and veins. With this method, a catheter and a balloon are inserted into your body through a blood vessel. Once the catheter enters your body, it is moved to the site of blockage; there the balloon is inflated to open up the clogged blood vessel. Sometimes, the balloon is inflated and deflated again and again to increase the diameter of the blood vessel.
Blocked blood vessels can pose a number of threats to your health and for example, coronary artery blockage can lead to severe chest pain, shortness of breath and ultimately to a heart attack. Coronary artery stenosis is the most common type of artery stenosis. Balloon angioplasty puts pressure on the vessel wall to open it up to increase the blood flow.
Also, see Coronary Angioplasty for the surgical procedure performed to widen blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.
Not everyone can be treated using angioplasty and some people have to go through surgery to get their narrowed vessels treated. Visit your health care provider to find out what can work for you, discuss your health history, expectations, and pros and cons of the procedure before opting for it, and patients with multiple blockages usually need surgery.
The technique of the angioplasty is the same for every vessel and venous angioplasty is not that common. The point of insertion of catheter differs for each vessel but the rest of the procedure is almost the same. We will now explain the procedure for coronary artery angioplasty.
The procedure begins with angiography and the cardiologist will do an angiography to find out the exact site of the blockage. After this, you are sedated. General anesthesia is not given as it is a minimally invasive procedure. No large incision is needed for the angioplasty of any blood vessel. The area is cleaned with an antiseptic swab to avoid future problems and a small incision is made on the skin at the area where the femoral artery is present. The catheter with an attached wire is inserted into the artery and from the femoral artery, it travels into your body to reach the coronary artery. Once the catheter reaches there, a dye is introduced to get a clear angiograph of the blockage site. IV medicines and fluids are introduced into your body. Blood-thinning medicines are given to avoid clot formation and electrode pads are placed on your chest to monitor heart activity.
When the catheter reaches the site of the blockage you will get an uncomfortable feeling. The balloon attached to it is inflated there to increase the diameter of the blocked artery. The balloon is inflated and deflated several times to put pressure on the muscular wall of the vessel. When the plaque is removed, the catheter is pulled out of your body and the small incision is stitched and a bandage is applied over it.
An Angioplasty procedure takes a different length of time for every artery. It depends upon a number of factors such as the size of the vessel, its type, etc. either it is an artery or a vein, number of blockage sites if it is performed under emergency condition, etc. It can take several hours. Once the procedure is completed, you are shifted to the recovery room.
In the case of coronary angioplasty, if it is performed under non-emergency conditions, you can be discharged in a day. A longer stay is needed if you are an emergency such as a heart attack patient. During your stay at the hospital, your heart is continuously monitored. After you are discharged, you will have to stay in the Greece for at least 14 days, during this time you will have several follow up appointments with the doctor to ensure that nothing has gone wrong.
The healing period post a Angioplasty tends to vary among individuals, thoroughly influenced by their personal health conditions and the complexity of the procedure carried out. Additionally, recovery time also relies on the specific type of blood vessel treated and its purpose within the body. For instance, in the case of a coronary angioplasty, a mere week suffices for recovery allowing the resuming of regular activities. Conversely, if the angioplasty is performed post a heart attack, the healing phase could stretch out further. Generally, some level of discomfort, weariness, or visible inflammation around the incision spot may be anticipated for several days.
The total recuperation phase, accounting for the healing of the incision site and reaching the optimal performance of the treated vessel, can span across several weeks. It becomes essential to stringently follow all directives given post the procedure, which includes administration of prescribed medicines, frequent medical examinations, disciplined physical activities, and dietary restrictions, to ensure the recovery process progresses without hiccups.
The following are some pointers for you to help yourself at home after an Angioplasty:
The effectiveness of Angioplasty in Greece is typically considerable, with notable improvement in symptoms and enhanced life quality for patients. Angioplasty procedure has had a tremendous success rate in previous years. Coronary stenosis, the success rate is 90% if it is performed to treat angina. In cases of both angina and heart attack under emergency conditions, the success rate is good at 64%.
The following are the alternatives to an angioplasty:
Prior to the Angioplasty, a thorough health evaluation will be carried out by your healthcare professional to ascertain your eligibility for the surgery. They will furnish you with precise guidelines pertaining to diet, medication, and other pre-surgery preparations. As part of this evaluation, you might need to submit to a series of diagnostic tests.
Post the treatment, close observation will be maintained on your health for several hours or possibly overnight to monitor progress. You could observe some discomfort or inflammation around the location of the incision which typically recedes within a few days' timespan. Detailed aftercare directions will be given, covering aspects like wound management, dietary habits, restrictions in activities, and a schedule for the follow-up visits. A strict adherence to these guidelines is instrumental to your recuperation process and for the procedure to yield successful results.
Scheduled follow-ups subsequent to a Angioplasty in Greece are crucial for observing recovery and detecting possible complications early on. Initially, your healthcare practitioner may suggest having check-ups on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. After a while, the frequency might decrease to monthly or annually, contingent on your health and recovery pace.
Importantly, these regularly scheduled visits present an opportunity to discuss any health-related issues, potential side effects, or any broader inquiries regarding your overall health. Hence, maintaining a consistent conversation with your healthcare provider, even through remote channels, is vital for better health achievements post the procedure.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Located at the very bottom of the Balkan Peninsula, Greece is a mesmerizing blend of sun-drenched islands and historical marvels. Boasting approximately 2,000 islands, an impressive 170 among them are inhabited and teeming with life. Greece's geographical charm has been nowhere short of a magnet to travelling enthusiasts, pulling in a spectacular count of over 24 million wanderlust-struck visitors each passing year.
Greece turns out to be a preferred hotspot for a particular category of globe-trotters. Travelers come from the farthest stretches of the world seeking its array of top-tier beaches to soak up the sun, the warm ocean for an invigorating dip, the array of ancient relics for their history fix, and to immerse into an engaging culture. The universal allure of Greece, seemingly, never ceases to captivate the hearts of explorers worldwide.
The upward shift in Greece's status as a medical tourism hub has been quite noticeable in recent years. Medical tourists are being increasingly drawn to the country, a relative newcomer in the industry, due to a myriad of reasons. One of the core attractions is its health care system, which holds a high rank on the global scale. However, in spite of boasting of world-class standards, the medical services in Greece are pleasantly affordable. In fact, it flaunts some of the most pocket-friendly medical care prices across Europe and even globally.
The medical services that Greece provides run a comprehensive gamut. Cosmetic surgery and fertility treatments are particularly sought-after medical services, favoured by numerous medical tourists. Orthopedics also sees a consistent flow of patients, along with cardiac care procedures. The well-established oral and dental sector in Greece is another popular draw for people wanting to combine their medical treatments with a relaxing vacation. The availability of such diverse, high quality, yet affordable healthcare options certainly puts Greece on the map as a promising medical tourism destination.
The captivating city of Athens, the crown jewel of Greece, presents a dazzling blend of antiquated splendor, enchanting landscapes, and a vibrant modern core. The capital prides itself in harboring an unparalleled assortment of Greek ruins and antiques. Prime among them is the Acropolis, an iconic ancient citadel perched on a rocky outcrop. The Greek Agora, a central public space in ancient Greek city-states, adds an extra charm to Athens’ archaeological grandeur.
On the other hand, the striking island of Santorini stands as another touristic magnet in Greece. Admired far and wide, it carries the reputation of being the most breathtaking island in the country. The enormous allure of Santorini with its distinctive architecture, caldera views, and famous sunsets, keeps it perennially embedded in the bucket lists of travelers worldwide. From the captivating capital of Athens to the charming Santorini, Greece exhibits alluring facets that are truly hard to resist.
It is best known for its unique landscape and cliff-top towns. While Santorini is the most spectacular, Mykonos is the most glamorous. It is noted for its classy seafood restaurants and boutique hotels. Some of the most famous attractions in Mykonos, besides its beaches, are Paraportiani and Little Venice.
Set on the Mediterranean, Greece experiences a climate that is typically balmy and sun-soaked throughout the year with a cycle of four distinct seasons. Summers, spanning June to August, bring about warm and agreeable temperatures. This peak season draws in a large number of tourists, making it an ideal time to take a dive into the azure seas.
As September ushers in the fall season, the weather across Greece turns cooler but largely stays clear. On the flip side, winters starting from December to February reveal a different picture. Coastal cities remain warm but the country's northern regions experience significantly lower temperatures, occasionally even witnessing snowfall.
As March marks the arrival of spring, the weather begins to warm up again, though evenings can retain a cool nip in the air. Each season has its unique charm and adds to the overall allure of Greece.
Athens International Airport holds the distinction of being the largest and busiest hub for international air travel in Greece. This is typically the point of arrival and departure for a majority of international tourists exploring Greece. The extensive network of this airport caters to both domestic and international flights, connecting many global cities like Dubai, London, Moscow, and New York to the heart of Greece.
Among affordable means of transport, the ferry services stand out, particularly for travelling among the islands. They run on a frequent basis, with services especially ramped up during the sun-soaked summer months. For land travel, buses come across as largely comfortable and hassle-free, although the network is somewhat limited.
For intra-city travel within major Greek metropolises, the extensive network of buses and trolleybuses prove to be reliable options. Particularly in Athens, the capital city, the metro and tram systems offer additional efficient and cost-effective ways to explore the local attractions. Additionally, taxis, which are conveniently available quite everywhere, turn out to be extremely pocket-friendly. Whether hopping between islands or navigating city streets, Greece offers a range of transportation options to suit the needs and budgets of different travelers.
Greece is part of the Schengen Area, which means that citizens of most countries can travel to Greece without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to visit Greece:
Citizens of all other countries need to obtain a visa to visit Greece.
You can apply for a Greek tourist visa at the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country. The visa application process can vary depending on the country where you are applying, but there are some general requirements that all applicants must meet, such as having a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and proof of financial means.