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At NTU hospital they are constantly processing high volumes of patients efficiently and with a happy attitude. I was in and out for my follow-up in less than 30 mins. Moreover, my previous recent experience in the ER department was very positive. All of the doctors and many of the staff can speak English. What’s more, they offer online appointment booking in English. The best place in Taiwan to go for any serious health concerns. The attitude of the staff is impressive considering how busy it gets.
皮膚科彭家盈醫師問診親切仔細,五顆星是給她的
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The Heart Valve Replacement is a surgical method employed to treat or correct problems caused by heart valve disease, which can substantially hinder the heart's capacity to circulate blood effectively. It is crucial to comprehend this process if you are diagnosed with any such disorders. Executed by a proficient cardiothoracic surgeon, the Heart Valve Replacement necessitates the replacement of one or more heart valves, which can be either biological or mechanical.
Biological valves are procured from animal tissue, offering the benefit of diminished clotting risks, which in turn minimizes the need for prolonged use of anticoagulants. On the other hand, mechanical valves are constructed from robust substances like carbon that tend to have a longer lifespan, though they do require ongoing anticoagulation treatment.
The preference for biological or mechanical valves largely pivots on various considerations like the patient's age, way of life, health condition, and personal choices, thus making it a vital subject of conversation with the health provider. The Heart Valve Replacement could be achieved using traditional open-heart surgery or less intrusive techniques, contingent on the health condition of the patient and the degree of valve impairment.
The expenditure connected to Heart Valve Replacement is subject to fluctuation dependent upon various circumstances. These encompass the geographical location, the particular clinic selected, and the proficiency of the surgeon. Moreover, the valuation is affected by the intricacy of the process, the specific heart valve being substituted (either biological or mechanical), and the surgical technique utilized. Main costs usually include the surgical crew's charges, the price of the heart valve replacement, anesthetics, and hospital bills – inclusive of expenses tied to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay and a private room occupancy.
Additionally, other secondary expenses may need to be taken into account. Examples of such might encompass costs associated with initial medical consultations prior to the operation, diagnostic assessments, and preoperative pharmaceuticals. Postoperative medicinal prescriptions, physical rehabilitation, the hypothetical need for a temporary pacemaker, and subsequent check-ups for overseeing recovery are pivotal elements frequently disregarded when calculating the overall expenditure of the Heart Valve Replacement.
Heart Valve Replacement is a major operation that involves accessing the heart, either through a large incision in the chest or through smaller incisions made near the heart. This procedure involves removing the diseased or damaged heart valve and replacing it. The procedure is carried out under general anesthetic and can be done through minimally invasive catheter procedures or open-heart surgery. During the procedure, your surgeon makes an incision down the center of the chest to remove your heart valve and replace it with a biological tissue valve (made from human, pig, or cow heart tissue) or with a mechanical valve.
The length of stay after Heart Valve Replacement can vary based on your overall health and the specific procedure performed. After the procedure, you will need to stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a couple of days and then you are moved to the progressive care unit for several days. Stay in Taiwan for at least 14 more days after you are discharged from the hospital because your surgeon will schedule follow-up checkups to monitor your condition closely and remove surgical stitches or staples.
After release, it's crucial that patients stay near their healthcare facility for several weeks. Your medical professional needs to keep an eye on your recovery process, provide care after surgery, and detect as well as handle any possible issues as soon as possible. In this time frame, you may need multiple check-ups, physical therapy, or heart rehabilitation sessions.
The total recovery period can take about three months or longer and you will need to take things easy at first and gradually increase your activity level. You should be able to drive within six weeks, have sex after four to six weeks, and return to work in six to eight weeks if your job involves light work. Avoid any intense exercises, such as heavy lifting, for three months.
Post-Heart Valve Replacement recuperative measures are designed to foster the healing process, avert potential complications, and enhance overall recovery. Regular consultations with your health care provider during the initial months post-procedure are included in the plan. It’s vital to keep these appointments to monitor the progress of your recovery, modify medication dosages or categories, and facilitate early detection and management of any arising issues.
In addition, making changes to your lifestyle is a key component of the post-treatment plan. It includes maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, while curtailing the intake of saturated fats and refined sugars. Consistent physical exercise as suggested by your health care provider, can assist in regaining your strength and expediting the healing process. Maintaining vigilance for any changes in your health and quickly reporting any symptoms is of great importance. The management of mental health and stress is equally significant, and you may be advised to practice methods such as yoga, meditation, or relaxation exercises.
In addition to these universal actions, post-treatment instructions may be customized according to the type of heart valve used for replacement. For example, if you have received a mechanical heart valve, you might be prescribed anticoagulant drugs to deter the formation of clots on the new valve. Regular checks to ensure the medication dosage is suitable would be necessary. Conversely, a biological valve might not necessitate long-term medication, but they do have a finite lifespan and might eventually need replacement.
Moreover, you might be advised cardiac rehabilitation, a medically supervised program to enhance heart health, as part of the post-treatment plan. The program might include services such as physical exercise training, education on a heart-healthy lifestyle and counselling to alleviate stress and facilitate resumption of normal activities.
The success rate of Heart Valve Replacement is typically measured in terms of relief from symptoms, improvement in heart function, and survival rates. The rates are generally high, offering patients the opportunity for a significantly improved quality of life post-procedure. Heart valve replacement is generally safe, efficient, and highly successful.
Here are the survival rates as per type of valve:
The condition of heart valve disease can be quite critical. However, Heart Valve Replacement isn't the only way out. Multiple other viable options are available, the choice of which depends upon the graveness of the situation, the overall health of the patient, and their personal inclination.
A significant alternative, balloon valvuloplasty, offers a less invasive way of treating narrowed heart valves, primarily the mitral valve. In this process, a small catheter with a balloon tip is inserted into the slimmed down valve. Upon inflating the balloon, the valve starts to widen, enhancing blood flow. This method is commonly considered for patients who aren't appropriate candidates for a surgical procedure due to their age or other health issues.
A separate option is Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), which is used predominantly for the treatment of aortic stenosis. This method involves substituting the aortic valve with a bioprosthetic valve without eliminating the old, impaired valve. The procedure is often carried out through minor incisions, proving it to be less invasive than the conventional open-heart surgery. However, it is usually advised for patients who are at a moderate or high risk of complications from surgical aortic valve replacement.
In some cases, your surgeon may suggest you undergo heart valve repair. Your surgeon will repair your heart valve to bring back its function by patching holes, reconnecting valve flaps, replacing cords, tightening the ring around the valve, or separating valve flaps.
Before the Heart Valve Replacement is initiated, a comprehensive evaluation by your medical team is necessary to understand your general health status and develop a tailored treatment strategy. This assessment usually encompasses diagnostic procedures such as chest radiographs, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms to assess the severity of your heart valve disorder. You might be instructed to stop certain medications and supplements, and fast for a predetermined period before the operation. Grasping these protective steps and following the doctor's orders are vital for the surgery's successful outcome.
After the Heart Valve Replacement is completed, you're likely to spend several days in the intensive care unit before being transferred to a standard hospital room. During this period, your medical team will closely observe your cardiac activity, blood pressure, and respiration. You may feel a bit fatigued and experience some discomfort, but managing your pain will be a central aspect of your post-operative care. Additionally, you will commence a meticulously planned rehabilitation regimen aimed at aiding your bodily recovery and strengthening your heart. This may involve light physical activity, breathing therapy, and educational sessions about necessary lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise practices.
The recovery process continues even once you've been discharged from the hospital. Consistent follow-up meetings with your healthcare provider are crucial for overseeing your progress and addressing any post-operative complications promptly. During these sessions, your healthcare provider will assess the performance of your replaced valve and your overall cardiac health.
In terms of symptoms, before your heart valve replacement, you may have heart valve disease that can be dangerous and causes symptoms that interfere with your ability to enjoy your daily life like fatigue, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, swelling of your ankles, and a heart murmur. After the procedure, you should no longer experience any of these symptoms and you can get back to your normal routine.
While Heart Valve Replacement is a common and generally safe procedure, like any major surgery it carries potential risks:
The risk of dying as a result of heart valve replacement is as low as 1% to 3%.
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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Whilst still a part of the Republic of China, the small island of Taiwan maintains a wealth of ancient Chinese culture and traditions mixed with modern-day Western inspirations. With its food-loving locals and award-winning whiskeys, Taiwan is a land of surprises. With 14 JCI accredited facilities in Taiwan, Taipei, the capital, is home to most, many of which are part of the University Hospitals and offer a range of specialist tertiary care. The country welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Heart Valve Replacement procedures. Medical Tourists mostly travel from the mainland or from within the region.
Taiwan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with 23.5 million inhabitants. The country has amazed tourists with its dynamic cities, vibrant culture, interesting history, and incredible natural scenery.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is the main airport in the country, located about 40km west of Taipei in the Dayuan District, Taoyuan. It is the hub for 6 airlines including two of Taiwan’s major airlines, China Airlines, and EVA Air. It has international connections with almost every country in the world. The airport serves major airlines as well as budget airlines such as Air Asia, Eastar Jet, Air Busan, and Tiger air Taiwan. There are other airports that serve international and domestic flights such as Taichung Airport, Tainan Airport, Siaogang Airport, and Taipei Songshan Airport.
Tourists arriving at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport have a variety of transport options such as buses, taxis, car rentals, and Taoyuan Airport MRT. Buses are the cheapest option to get to the city center. Tourists who head towards the Taipei 101 area should take Bus no. 1960, while bus no. 1819 and 1961 will take tourists near Taipei Main Train Station.
Taxis are available in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2’ arrivals lobby. The fare is based on a meter and will usually cost around 1,200 TWD (40.50 USD). A journey to the city center takes about 50 minutes and taxis operate for 24 hours.
Taoyuan Airport MRT is the fastest way to reach Taipei’s city center. It will take tourists to Taipei Main Station in 35 minutes and costs 160 TWD (5.40 USD). The MRT operates from 6.05 am to 11.35 pm.
Tourists can travel around Taiwan by normal train (TRA). It is an affordable option; a train ride from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs around 845 TWD. Tourists who need a quicker travel time can opt for Taiwan High-Speed Train (HSR). The train travels from Taipei to Kaohsiung in just 90 minutes.
The cheapest way to travel around Taiwan is by bus. Buses are readily available and will reach small villages and mountain resorts. The country provides Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus system that offers 42 routes to more than 100 tourist destinations.
Taxis and MRT is the best way to travel around big cities. In Kaohsiung, getting around in a bicycle is the best way to explore as it is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Taiwan.
Citizens of 65 countries do not require a visa to visit Taiwan and can stay for up to 90 days. Nationals of Turkey can obtain a visa on arrival valid for 30 days. It is best to check to the nearest embassy or consulate for visa requirements. Since January 2016, Taiwan offers an eVisa program for 18 countries including Saudi Arabia, Peru, Oman, and United Arab Emirates.