• Osteoarthritis – a disease associated with aging where joint cartilage degenerates until there is no cushioning between joints. About 21 million Americans suffer from this disease annually.
• Obesity – too much body weight places excessive stress on the hips and knee joints
• Prior Injury
• Weak Muscles
• Nerve Injury
• Overuse of the knee from strenuous work or sports
• The desire to remain physically active

Knee replacement surgery normally requires a 12-inch incision and hospitalization on average for a week. Damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the shinbone, thighbone and kneecap. An artificial joint made of ceramic, polymer and metal alloys is implanted to refashion the joint. The patient will require the use of crutches or a walker for a period of 4-6 weeks. Full recovery can take anywhere from three to six months. The replaced knee should last up to 20 years.

However, as an alternative to total knee replacement – there are other several alternative surgical options to take into consideration prior to making the final decision. These alternatives are usually less invasive than a total knee replacement, less painful and have faster recovery times.

CLICK HERE TO GET A FREE QUOTE ON ALTERNATIVE KNEE SURGERY COSTS AND TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY COSTS

Different treatment options are appropriate for varying levels of severity, but the most common alternatives to total knee replacement are:

Arthroscopy, which uses small incisions and miniature instruments to take a look into the knee, to help determine advanced the damage is. The surgeon can trim damaged cartilage, remove any loose particles or debris, and clean up the joint space.

Osteotomy, which reshapes the bones to improve knee alignment, may be recommended if damage to the knee cartilage is primarily in one section.

Arthroplasty, which is a joint replacement procedure that replaces diseased bone and tissue with a new surface. If the arthritis is isolated to one side of the knee, partial knee replacement may be recommended, which is the replacement of only the joint surface in the damaged area of the knee. If the disease is more extensive, a full or total joint surface replacement may be necessary.

Computer-assisted joint replacement surgery, which includes technology that allows the surgeon to visualize the bones on a computer screen and check each step of the surgery in real-time, using three-dimensional images. Computer-assisted surgery allows surgeons to implant knee replacements with improved precision that enhances the chance for long-term viability of the replaced joint.

A total knee replacement is still an aggressive procedure and shouldn’t be entered into lightly. By the time the final decision is made to undergo total knee replacement surgery, the patient should be aware of other minimally invasive surgery alternatives such as the ones discussed previously.

If you would like to join the increasing number of Americans realizing INCREDIBLE SAVINGS overseas, Click Here to Receive a FREE quote or FREE initial consultation and save up to 80% or more off the typical cost of Minimally Less Invasive Surgery/Total Knee Replacement

CLICK HERE TO GET A FREE QUOTE ON YOUR LAP BAND SURGERY COSTS AND GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY COSTS

My Overseas Doctor is able to offer you the same exact care (in most cases at a level that even exceeds) you are used to at much cheaper prices abroad due to 2 major factors:

• The value of US/UK currency is higher overseas – a higher exchange rate will get more value for your money in most of the countries we work with
• Operating costs for Doctors and Hospitals in our network are 10x lower than those in US/UK

These Overseas Doctors are often American or British trained and the hospitals they operate in are internationally accredited – clean, well equipped, even luxurious by American standards. An increasing number of these hospitals have entire wings set up just to cater to International patients.

Same USA/UK trained Doctors, Different countries, Lower costs. Tens of thousands of Americans are traveling abroad to places like Brazil, Thailand, India, Singapore, etc to undergo Lap Band surgery at prices that are a fraction of the costs here in the United States. All you need to do is pack a bag and leave the rest to us.

In some cases, going abroad might be the only way to afford Lap Band/Gastric Bypass Surgery for:

• uninsured patients
• patients whose policies do not cover the procedures they need
• self-insured patients who cannot afford the deductibles and co-payments
• anyone who does not want to jeopardize their financial situation trying to meet the high costs of hip replacement operation costs

The low cost of treatment overseas often allows an American patient the opportunity to receive medical care in an exotic location, enjoy a vacation, recover in a four or five-star resort, and return home having spent considerably less than what the procedure would have cost in the United States or United Kingdom.

If you would like to join the increasing number of Americans realizing INCREDIBLE SAVINGS overseas, Click Here to Receive a FREE quote or FREE initial consultation and save up to 80% or more off the typical cost of Lap Band Surgery/Gastric Bypass Surgery.

CLICK HERE TO GET A FREE QUOTE ON YOUR KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY COSTS

My Overseas Doctor is able to offer you the same exact care (in most cases at a level that even exceeds) you are used to at much cheaper prices abroad due to 2 major factors:

• The value of US/UK currency is higher overseas – a higher exchange rate will get more value for your money in most of the countries we work with
• Operating costs for Doctors and Hospitals in our network are 10x lower than those in US/UK

These Overseas Doctors are often American or British trained and the hospitals they operate in are internationally accredited – clean, well equipped, even luxurious by American standards. An increasing number of these hospitals have entire wings set up just to cater to International patients.

Same USA/UK trained Doctors, Different countries, Lower costs. Tens of thousands of Americans are traveling abroad to places like Brazil, Thailand, India, Singapore, etc to undergo Knee Replacement surgery at prices that are a fraction of the costs here in the United States. All you need to do is pack a bag and leave the rest to us.

In some cases, going abroad might be the only way to afford Knee Replacement Surgery for:

• uninsured patients
• patients whose policies do not cover the procedures they need
• self-insured patients who cannot afford the deductibles and co-payments
• anyone who does not want to jeopardize their financial situation trying to meet the high costs of hip replacement operation costs

The low cost of treatment overseas often allows an American patient the opportunity to receive medical care in an exotic location, enjoy a vacation, recover in a four or five-star resort, and return home having spent considerably less than what the procedure would have cost in the United States or United Kingdom.

If you would like to join the increasing number of Americans realizing INCREDIBLE SAVINGS overseas, Click Here to Receive a FREE quote or FREE initial consultation and save up to 80% or more off the typical cost of Knee Replacement Costs ($50,000 U.S. vs $8,500 overseas).

CLICK HERE TO GET A FREE QUOTE ON YOUR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY COSTS

My Overseas Doctor is able to offer you the same exact care (in most cases at a level that even exceeds) you are used to at much cheaper prices abroad due to 2 major factors:

• The value of US/UK currency is higher overseas – a higher exchange rate will get more value for your money in most of the countries we work with
• Operating costs for Doctors and Hospitals in our network are 10x lower than those in US/UK

These Overseas Doctors are often American or British trained and the hospitals they operate in are internationally accredited – clean, well equipped, even luxurious by American standards. An increasing number of these hospitals have entire wings set up just to cater to International patients.

Same USA/UK trained Doctors, Different countries, Lower costs. Tens of thousands of Americans are traveling abroad to places like Brazil, Thailand, India, Singapore, etc to undergo Hip Replacement surgery and Hip Resurfacing procedures at prices that are a fraction of the costs here in the United States. All you need to do is pack a bag and leave the rest to us.

In some cases, going abroad might be the only way to afford Hip Replacement Surgery for:

• uninsured patients
• patients whose policies do not cover the procedures they need
• self-insured patients who cannot afford the deductibles and co-payments
• anyone who does not want to jeopardize their financial situation trying to meet the high costs of hip replacement operation costs

The low cost of treatment overseas often allows an American patient the opportunity to receive medical care in an exotic location, enjoy a vacation, recover in a four or five-star resort, and return home having spent considerably less than what the procedure would have cost in the United States or United Kingdom.

However, you should be aware that in some cases Hip Resurfacing may be a viable option for those considering Hip Replacement Surgery. Ultimately you should make the best informed decision with the support of your primary care Physician.

If you would like to join the increasing number of Americans realizing INCREDIBLE SAVINGS overseas, Click Here to Receive a FREE quote or FREE initial consultation and save up to 80% or more off the typical cost of Hip Replacement Costs ($55,000 U.S. vs $9,000 overseas) and Hip Resurfacing Prices ($50,000 vs $7,500 overseas).

1. Be absolutely certain of your medical procedure: you should obtain exact, written details from your primary care or U.S. doctor that detail your diagnosis and preferred method of treatment.
2. Research your overseas doctor as much as possible: do everything you can to obtain as much detailed information as you can about your doctor: certifications, medical training, etc.
3. Interview your overseas doctor on the phone: ask anything and everything and ensure you are are comfortable with your choice. If not, choose someone else.
4. Allow yourself enough time for your trip: ensure that you budget enough time for the entire medical trip, which should include post-recovery time. You do not want to get right back on the plane immediately after your procedure. Your overseas doctor will let you know exactly how much time you should budget for post-recovery.
5. Obtain everything in writing: recommendations, opinions, overseas medical procedure cost estimates, air travel, accommodations – get everything you can and organize everything into a folder
6. Make sure you have enough money: payment is usually required in full upfront. By now you should have an estimate of the entire cost of your trip (travel, medical procedure and accomodations), allow an extra 5% of this figure for unforeseen scenarios.
7. Let your bank and credit card company know: call your bank and credit card company and ask for the fraud unit. Inform them that you will be travelling overseas and let them know your destination (including lay-overs) and the time you will spend overseas. This way you won’t run into any problems trying to access your funds overseas.
8. Inform your primary care physician or local doctor before you leave: they may not agree with your decision but this puts them on alert since in most cases you might return to your primary care physician or local doctor for a post-recovery follow up.
9. Don’t go cheap on lodging: you are already experiencing savings of up to 80% depending on your medical procedure – ensure that your lodgings are top notch. This is usually not a problem before your procedure, as most overseas hospitals have excellent international facilities at your disposal, but this will matter during your post-recovery period after discharge from the hospital. Ensure that your lodging is as close as possible to the hospital: in case of any complications that may arise after your medical procedure
10. Be prepared for a worst case scenario: be fully informed of the hospital policy on what may happen if something goes wrong. Most will re-do your medical procedure at no additional cost. Malpractice recourse might be extremely difficult and slow to obtain in a foreign country. However most overseas hospitals and doctors realize that one bad operation or medical procedure is all it takes to damage the millions of dollars they have spent towards their reputation, and will do all it takes to ensure that your overseas experience is an extremely pleasant one.

CLICK HERE TO GET A FREE QUOTE ON YOUR ANGIOPLASTY SURGERY COSTS

My Overseas Doctor is able to offer you the same exact care (in most cases at a level that even exceeds) you are used to at much cheaper prices abroad due to 2 major factors:

• The value of US/UK currency is higher overseas – a higher exchange rate will get more value for your money in most of the countries we work with
• Operating costs for Doctors and Hospitals in our network are 10x lower than those in US/UK

These Overseas Doctors are often American or British trained and the hospitals they operate in are internationally accredited – clean, well equipped, even luxurious by American standards. An increasing number of these hospitals have entire wings set up just to cater to International patients.

Same USA/UK trained Doctors, Different countries, Lower costs. Tens of thousands of Americans are traveling abroad to places like Brazil, Thailand, India, Singapore, etc to undergo angioplasty surgery and medical procedures at prices that are a fraction of the costs here in the United States. All you need to do is pack a bag and leave the rest to us.

In some cases, going abroad might be the only way to afford angioplasty surgery for:

• uninsured patients
• patients whose policies do not cover the procedures they need
• self-insured patients who cannot afford the deductibles and co-payments
• anyone who does not want to jeopardize their financial situation trying to meet the high costs of angioplasty operation costs

The low cost of treatment overseas often allows an American patient the opportunity to receive medical care in an exotic location, enjoy a vacation, recover in a four or five-star resort, and return home having spent considerably less than what the procedure would have cost in the United States or United Kingdom.

However, you should be aware that in some cases Angioplasty is a short-term solution, you may want to consider Open Heart Surgery as a much more longer lasting and permanent solution. See our article on Angioplasty vs. Open Heart Surgery here. Ultimately you should make the best informed decision with the support of your primary care Physician.

If you would like to join the increasing number of Americans realizing INCREDIBLE SAVINGS overseas, Click Here to Receive a FREE quote or FREE initial consultation and save up to 80% or more off the typical cost of Angioplasty Procedure ($57,000 U.S. vs $11,000 overseas), Open Heart Surgery Prices/Bypass Surgery Prices ($130,000 vs $10,000 overseas).

We’ve covered various treatments of clogged heart arteries previously, and there is no question that heart stents have saved countless lives in the short term by preventing impending heart attacks or opening arteries while an attack is being treated. However drug eluting stents may result in the incident of what is known as stent thrombosis, or the formulation of a blood clot within the stent itself. While the drug eluting stent is time-releasing its drugs, it effectively stops the re-growth of muscle cells inside the stent. This results in a clot which in turn results in a heart attack.

Neither type of stent, bare metal stents nor drug eluting stents have been shown in rigorous clinical trials to improve long-term survival compared with open heart bypass surgery. In December 2006, an expert FDA panel concluded that drug-eluting stents are even more likely than bare-metal stents to cause thrombosis.

Stents, which come in varying sizes and designs, are inserted by a cardiologist though a small opening, typically in the leg. The stents are then snaked to the heart on a microscopic balloon that opens the artery and is removed after the stent is in place.

With bare metal stents, the main drawback is the tendency of the repaired artery to become clogged again (restenosis). Drug eluting stents can cut restenosis in half, but have now been found to carry their own dangerous risks – which in some cases may even prove fatal.

For people who receive drug-coated stents, the standard protection against clotting is what is known as “anti-platelet therapy” – a few months of aspirin and the blood-thinner drug Plavix. Problem is, aspirin is a known stomach irritant and Plavix causes severe rashes and bruising. To prevent the recurrence of clotting, the FDA recommends staying on Plavix for a year, and on aspirin forever.

Why have stents become so popular? Probably because drug eluting stents are less invasive and frightening than full-scale surgery. They also help avoid the potential side effects of heart drugs, which can include fatigue, sexual dysfunction, depression and light-headedness. Perhaps other patients are not being told that a bypass surgery may be a good option.

Recent studies have shown that bypass surgery could extend many patients’ lives longer than stents. Stents, when improperly used, might put patients at greater risk of blood clots, heart attacks or even death. Bypass surgery should be considered as a better, longer term alternative.

Sources:

• Duke University: Drug-Coated Stent Patients at Risk if Anti-Blood-Clotting Medication Discontinued
• Duke University: Coronary Stents Do Not Improve Long Term Survival
• The Mobile Register (Alabama) : Doctors debate risk, benefits of stents - Fred Tasker; July 3rd, 2007
• The Wall Street Journal: New studies hint at overuse of stents – Ron Winslow; January 23rd, 2007
• MSNBC.com : Some heart stents pose death risk;March 1st, 2007
• The New York Times: Doctors Rethink Widespread Use of Heart Stents – Barnaby J. Feder; October 21st, 2006.

1960s: Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) is introduced to repair arteries clogged with plaque. Surgeons harvest healthy veins from a patient’s legs and transplant them around blocked arteries near the heart, restoring blood flow.

The problem: Although effective, it’s a major operation. Surgeons saw through the patient’s sternum and pry open the rib cage. About 500,000 such surgeries a year are performed.

1977: Doctors begin to unclog arteries with balloon angioplasty. They make a small slit in the patient’s groin, run a wire-like catheter up the femoral artery and inflate a tiny balloon inside the plaque blockage, opening it, restoring blood flow.

The problem: Within six months, one-third to one-half of patients experience a re-narrowing of the artery due to plaque, called “restenosis.”

1986: Pharmaceutical companies bring out the “bare-metal stent” a tiny metal-mesh sleeve that is collapsed, run up the femoral artery to the plaque lesion, expanded by the balloon and left to keep the artery open.

The problem: In 15 percent to 30 percent of cases, restenosis still occurred within a year.

The reason: Ideally, when a wire-mesh is implanted, the artery heals it over in a few months with smooth muscle cells called endothelia. But in some cases, the cells grow back too aggressively, piling up into scar tissue, narrowing the artery again and encouraging a new blockage with plaque.

2003: The “drug-eluting stent” arrives. It’s coated with medicine that is released over a month or more to slow the growth of the cells that encourage restenosis. They were a hit – cutting re-blockage by two-thirds.

The problem: Occasionally a patient with a drug-eluting stent suffers a heart attack, and sometimes it’s fatal. Studies say it happens more often with drug-eluting stents than with bare-metal stents. It isn’t restenosis; it’s thrombosis, a sudden blood clot that forms inside the drug-eluting stent.

The reason: While the drug-eluting stent is time-releasing its drugs, it effectively stops the re-growth of muscle cells inside the stent.Thus, the bloodstream reacts to the foreign metal object – the bare stent – the same way the blood in your cheek reacts to the nick of a razor – it clots. Result: a heart attack.

Today the debate rages on; doctors in favor of creating better stents vs. doctors who would forgo angioplasty altogether in favor of open-heart surgery.

Sources: Fred Tasker – McClatchy Newspapers, Ohio.com

What is a Balloon Angioplasty?

Angioplasty, also known as Balloon Angioplasty is a medical procedure in which a balloon is used to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels of the heart.

How is it done?

Angioplasty procedures generally take up to 1 – 2 hours. The patient is awake for the angioplasty procedure but local anesthesia is used and pain medication can be given as needed. During the procedure the surgeon will insert a small balloon catheter into an artery in the groin or arm and advance it toward the narrowing in the coronary artery. The balloon is then inflated to enlarge the narrowing in the artery. In some cases, a stent of wire mesh inflates with the balloon and is left behind to support the artery walls.

Why is it done?

When successful, Balloon Angioplasty can relieve chest pain of angina, improve the prognosis of patients with unstable angina, and minimize or stop a heart attack without having the patient undergo open heart surgery.

Risks & complications

As with any surgery, there are risks, including the possibility of:

• Complications associated with anesthesia, including respiratory or cardiac malfunction
• Infection
• Bleeding in the groin (or other catheter access site)
• Complete obstruction of blood flow to an area of the heart (a small risk, less than 1%)
• Damage to a valve or blood vessel
• Stroke
• Arrhythmia
• Kidney failure
• Allergic reactions to X-ray dye

Balloon Angioplasty treats the condition, but does not cure the cause of narrowed arteries. Recurrent narrowing can be expected in up to a quarter of cases over a 6 month period. This recurrent narrowing may or may not require a repeat procedure.

Risks can be reduced by following the physician’s instructions before and after surgery.

Alternatives

If the arteries are not sufficiently widened by angioplasty or the blockages are too severe to be treated by angioplasty procedures, heart surgery may be recommended.

Candidate eligibility

Your physician will make the final determination of each patients eligibility for the angioplasty procedure after an examination and consultation with the patient.

Affordable Angioplasty

Receive a FREE quote or FREE initial consultation and save up to 80% of the typical cost of an angioplasty procedure ($57,000 U.S. vs $11,000 overseas) by contacting us here.