Investigations, Surgery & Treatments

Direct Healthcare International Limited ....

Easy, simple, trouble free overseas surgery and treatment.

Cardiac Investigations, Surgery & Treatments

Some years ago Germanys top heart transplant surgeons had a vision. That vision was simply to open and operate the best heart transplant facility in the world.With this in mind they acquired a former Canadian forces hospital and refitted it with the finest facilities and best heart monitoring equipment available. After completion of the project a decision was taken not to offer heart transplant surgery but instead to perform all other heart surgery & investigations such as valve replacements and repairs, hole in the heart surgery and heart bypasses.

That facility is now the Heart Institute, Lahr, Germany and performs over 2500 heart bypasses a year, plus hundreds of other cardiac procedures.

Working together with a specialist rehabilitation institute the Heart Institute offers some of the most comprehensive heart care available today.

Their royal suite is frequently hosting VIP’s that go for tests and intensive surgery.

DHI Patient Rehabilitation

DHI Patient Rehabilitation at the nearby dedicated heart rehab centre, Baden Baden.

Following heart surgery and a weeks rehabilitation at The Heart Institute, patients that require further recuperation may transfer to the dedicated specialist heart rehabilitation clinic at Baden Baden, Germany. The short transfer is carried out by our patient transport vehicles.

Spacious comfortable rooms where ones spouse or partner may stay together with the patient
Both indoor and in the summer relaxed open air restaurant facilities
The center boasts its own indoor physiotherapy pool
One on one physiotherapy is part of the comprehensive patient recovery program

Cardio Vascular Procedures

Treatment Prices - Click Here

Cardio Vascular Tests

Angiogram
Full Heart Checkup, Stress Test & Doppler
Full Heart Checkup, Stress Test, Doppler & Spirometry
Electrocardiogram
Echocardiography (Ultrasound of the Heart)
Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
Spirometry (Pulmonary Function Testing)

Heart Bypass Surgery - Frequently Asked Questions

What is multiple bypass surgery?

Sometimes several arteries are blocked, and several bypasses are needed. If, for example, there were blockages in all three coronary arteries and one branch, a person would get four bypasses. This is called quadruple bypass surgery.

Are there any transfusions involved? Should I bank my own blood?

Ordinarily, as with any serious heart surgery, blood transfusions are necessary during bypass surgery.

What if my religion does not permit me to have a transfusion?

A continuous “cell saver” machine is available for such instances.

If needed, is this included in price?

Transfusion is included in the price as is the use of the “cell saver”.

What is the blood screening policy?

European policy on filtration and testing of blood is very strict. The hospital is equipped with its own accredited laboratories. Blood samples can be screened day or night. The ICU can locally provide blood-gas analysis and ionography under the supervision of the central laboratory, which is responsible for quality.

Practical arrangements describe:

Indications
Method of Transfusion
ABO and Rhesus Control

Indications for:

CMV Negative Blood
Deleucocyted Blood
Lymphocyte Radiation
Transfusion Reactions and Therapy

Blood units are supplied by the Blood Transfusion Centre, which is regulated by European Law, pertaining to blood and derivates of blood of human origin; in addition, the European guide to “qualification assurance of blood donation and preparation use” is strictly followed (edition of 8th January 2002 under code R 9515)

Blood is screened for hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis and anti HBc antibodies.

How successful is bypass surgery? Can I expect to live a long life?

Studies have shown in 80 to 95 percent of patients, bypasses made with segments of the mammary artery still performed efficiently 10 years after surgery. Two-thirds to 75 percent of patients who received grafts from leg veins still had satisfactorily unrestricted blood flow after 10 years.
Remember that even if your graft becomes blocked, you may not need additional bypass surgery.

Managing Your Pain

Pain medications help make you more comfortable. A nurse may give these medications to you. If you feel pain, tell your nurse right away. Don't wait until the pain gets bad before you mention it. Sometimes, a special pump (called a PCA pump) is used. This pump lets you give yourself small amounts of medication, as you need them.

Learning Respiratory Therapy

Deep-breathing and coughing exercises help you recover from surgery. They keep your lungs clear, make your breathing muscles stronger, and prevent complications. A nurse or therapist may teach you these exercises before or soon after your surgery. Perform them as instructed after your surgery.

When will I be walking about?

You'll soon begin to move around to improve your muscle strength and blood flow. Your nurse or a therapist will help you when you first get up and walk. You may also be taught range-of-motion exercises. These help stretch and strengthen your muscles as they heal.

Do I Go Directly Home After My Hospital Stay?

The heart centre works closely with the Cardiac Care Rehabilitation Facility at Gernsbach, Germany 30km from The Heart Centre. It is recommende that a further weeks rehabilitation is taken at the Cardiac Rehabilitation Facility. This will ensure that you are greatly recovered before your journey home.

Will I need any Aftercare?

Our program is designed to incorporate sufficient physiotherapy thereby leaving little or no requirement for aftercare. Comparative studies have shown that our patients are sent home in better condition than those treated in other facilities such as the NHS, BUPA and Nuffield hospitals.

What condition will I be in when I return home?

You will be encouraged to walk before you leave the hospital. The condition you will be in depends on many factors, especially your age and physical condition before undergoing surgery. There is considerable variation between candidates in the recovery process; some will get back on their feet faster and be able to walk easily when they are ready to leave the hospital, for others the recovery process is harder and takes longer. It will take approximately 6 months for you to be able to walk long distances. The process starts with short walks and gradually increases over the weeks after surgery.

Leaving The Hospital

Before you leave the hospital the surgeon will go over the results of your surgery with you. You will be told what to expect while you get better and about any more treatment you may need. Whether leaving for the airport or transferring to the Rehabilitation Facility at Gernsbach The Heart Centre will arrange your transport.

When can I drive?

Following major surgery patients should not drive for two months unless directed by their physician.

Will there be someone there who speaks English?

Peter Muehlecker our hospital liaison person is there to assist you in any way.. he has an extensive knowledge of the local area and is also an expert on the local wines and restaurants. He speaks fluent English as do some of the hospital staff and will be there to answer any questions you may have.

Planning your Journey

Our staff will assist you in planning your journey. This is especially necessary when undergoing hip and knee surgery to ensure that you return home in comfort.

Can I bring a relative or friend?

Yes, there is a number of bed & breakfast facilities nearby within a few hundred yards of the facility. We would be happy to arrange the accommodation for friends & family members. We prefer if at least one person accompanies you.