Cardiology and Cardiovasicular Surgery Center
In Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Center, vessels occluded during heart attack can be restored with instant intervention by professional healthcare team offering 7/24 service.
High-technology 64-slice computerized tomography devices hosted in our centers offers superior advantages particularly in examining heart vessels. In this method, examination of heart is completed only in 4 seconds and three-dimensional and detailed images enable rapid and efficient diagnosis. Thus, stenosis and occlusions in heart vessels are identified in pain-free and rapid manner without requiring conventional angiography.
In our centers, angiographic procedures can be performed via arterial puncture in wrist region. Angiographic procedures originating from puncture of arterial structures in inguinal region are associated with risk of dilatation (balloon formation) of vessel, inguinal swelling due to uncontrolled bleeding and extremely painful and disabling problems and these risks are almost zero percent in angiograph performed via puncture of arteries in wrist.
Considering wrist angiography, there are significant advantages in terms of patient’s comfort; patients are monitored for only 3-4 hours, patient may alone walk to procedure room and they are mobilized immediately after procedure is completed.
Pediatric Cardiology teams offers healthcare services including diagnosis and invasive procedures and non-operational repair of congenital cardiac septal defects in all pediatric age groups starting from neonatal period.
Moreover, our centers also offer non-surgical intervention for stenosis of heart valves via interventional angiography, Electrophysiology method which is a non-invasive intervention for cardiac rhythm disorders, Echocardiography which makes evaluations at tissue level and under stress,
Talium scintigraphy which shows extent of blood supply to cardiac muscle by involved vessels, Exercise test enabling real-time and mean-value analysis, Rhythm Holter which monitors heart rhythm for 24- and 48-hours, Blood Pressure Holter which monitors blood pressure for 24 hours and Flat panel angiography device, and cardiac images can be obtained using MRI device for diagnosis and follow-up care of cardiovascular diseases.
In Vitro Fertilization
In Vitro Fertilization Units of Medicana Group of Hospitals offer highest quality healthcare service based on experience physicians and state-of-the-art technology medical infrastructure.
In Vitro Fertilization Units use most recent technology and treatment methods in the field of assisted reproduction techniques. All In Vitro Fertilization centers of Medicana Health Group host recognized and reliable specialists who undersigned many successes in the field of reproductive health.
We offer scientific solutions to couples who imagine to have a child thanks to our experienced team comprising of gynecologists and obstetricians, Andrology (male infertility) specialists, embryologists, medical genetics specialists, psychologists, biologists and nurses.
For in vitro fertilization procedures, our procedures are identical to those used in leader IVF centers around the world and our laboratory is continuously inspected, ranging from egg harvesting to embryo transfer, using state-of-the-art technology. In our center, many procedures are performed including ovulation therapy, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, micro-injection and all other procedures in the field of assisted reproduction (laser assisted hatching), defragmantation (eliminating hazardous wastes in embryo), embryo biopsy for genetic diagnosis of baby before transfer is made (PGT) and co-culture (artificial womb). Any and all types of diagnostic and therapeutic services are also offered for male infertility.
In our centers, in additional to diagnosis and treatment of infertility, couples are also provided psychological support by psychologists experienced in this field.
Transplantation
In our centers, kidney, liver, bone marrow and cornea transplantations are performed at international standards. Medicana Health Group is among remarkable healthcare facilities which support organ donation and transplantation.
Medicana Bahçelievler, Medicana Çamlıca, Medicana International Istanbul and Medicana International Ankara hospitals and their specialists undertakes success transplantation operations. Medicana Bahçelievler Hospital was awarded “Prize for Private Hospital With Highest Number of Transplantation” by Ministry of Health due to 93 transplantation operations.
Liver Transplantation;
Most patient requiring liver transplantation are cases with hepatic cirrhosis. Recently, the view is recognized that patient with end stage hepatic cirrhosis and life expectancy below 1 year is candidate for liver transplantation and such patient is (or should) recommended transplantation. Half of patients with such condition dies secondary to the disease or complications. Success rate is over 80% in liver transplantations which are performed in timely manner. Organ transplantation is the only treatment method for patients with chronic organ failure. Death is inevitable for those patients if organ cannot be supplied.
Bone Narrow Transplantation
Based on criteria of European Union, adequate transplantation in a particular state implies 50 bone marrow transplantation per one million subjects. Considering this figure, there should be minimum 3500 bone marrow transplantations in our country. However, according to data issued by Ministry of Health for Year 2011, 2100 bone marrow transplantations were performed in our country. This figure is the indication of inadequacy of transplantation. Our country has 5th rank among all European Union states with regards to number of bone marrow transplantations. Medicana Ankara Hospital has currently nine-bed bone marrow transplantation unit and it is the only private healthcare facility performing bone marrow transplantation in Ankara. Our unit is licensed by Ministry of Health on February 2012 and autologous stem cell transfer was performed in 6 patients.
Hair Transplantation
In U.S, 25 billion dollars are spent for hair per year. This figure indicates us the importance of good-looking hair for both women and men. Many cosmetic products are/have been developed for good-looking hair; but hair transplantation is the only solution for restoring appearance of patients when alopecia (complete loss of scalp hair) develops.
Hair transplantation is gradually getting more popularized and prices are somewhat cheaper in comparison with prices offered in the past and accordingly, it is the most common aesthetic intervention preferred by men. When hair transplantation is performed by experts, outcomes are very positive, while it should be kept in mind that unsuccessful hair transplantation leads to extreme misery.
Recently, two methods are used for hair transplantation. The first one is FUT technique, which is the conventional hair transplantation method. In this technique, a tissue slice is obtained from hairy scalp located in bilateral post-auricular regions. Donor site is sutured. Tissue slice is separated into follicles and they are transferred to recipient site.
FUE method, which is regarded by patients as modern method, hair units are individually obtained from neck region and thus, suture procedure in the conventional method is avoided. The most remarkable difference of two methods is presence of suture scar. In the first contact with plastic surgeon, patient is informed in details about pros and cons of two methods and a decision is made for which method is best option for patient. Both methods are performed under local anesthesia and the procedure last approximately 5-6 hours.
Cancer Center
Incidence of cancer, the black death of our age, gradually increases both in Turkey and around the world. Two hundred thousand subjects are newly diagnosed as cancer per year in our country. Considering diagnosis and treatment, technologies and experienced specialists of modern medicine are offered to the service of our society.
Cancer therapy is comprised of a group of therapies which necessitates operation of multiple medical branches in cooperation. Here, various surgical branches work in cooperation with Radiation Oncologists and Medical Oncologists. Pathology is of importance during diagnosis, while Radiology and Nuclear Medicine departments are of value to support diagnosis and monitor treatment outcomes.
In most cancer patients, primary therapy is surgical extraction of tumor mass. This intervention not only enables diagnosis of the disease, but it also finalizes diagnosis. Based on location and involved organ, different surgical branches undertake responsibility; primary intervention is made by surgical branches including general surgery, orthopedics, Otorhinolaryngology, gynecology or pulmonary surgery, ophthalmology and urology. Post-operative therapy is maintained by medical oncology and radiation oncology departments.
Medical oncology refers to branch of science which offers pharmaceutical therapy (drug therapy) for cancer. Medical oncology cures cancer patient using anti-cancer drugs (chemotherapy) on one side and tries to eliminate internal problems (infections, renal failures, heart failures, nutritional disorders etc.) on the other side.
Radiation oncology works with devices which use X-ray. Radiation oncology procedures not only performed for eliminating cancerous cells, but they are also performed to demolish cancer by directly radiating tumor in patients who are not eligible for operation.
Advanced modern medical technologies
In current Radiation Oncology, early identification (before cancerous tissue comprised of abnormally growing cells reaches a particular size) and direct treatment of involved tissue are possible thanks to the advanced technological devices.
Using these devices, it is possible to
- treat tumors localized in breast, head and neck and lung,
- treat deep and superficial tumors located in other organs.
Moreover, thanks to the devices accurately identifying involved tissue, high-level success is ensured in
- Baseline diagnosis and grading of cancer,
- determination of extent,
- Evaluation of response to treatment
- Determination of viable cancer cell load for planning cancer therapy,
- Planning best possible therapy for the patient,
- Ease of use in all cancer patient and ensuring highest level of patient’s comfort.
Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery
All procedures of general plastic surgery branch are performed in our plastic surgery clinics. In addition, our clinics also host a modern lipoplasty device, which is used for all procedures focusing fat tissues and a radiofrequency device which enables resection of several skin lesions. Thus, patients may be intervened at outpatient settings resulting with reduction in hospitalization period.
Briefly, aesthetic procedures involving face- and forehead-lift as well as augmentation and reduction of eyelid, nose and breast, any and all types of lipoplasty, operations for loose portions of abdomen, lower leg, arm and waist, all cancers of skin, mucosa, oral cavity and jaw and all problems related with mouth, jaw, facial and cranial bones.
Moreover, congenital facial anomalies such as lip and palate cleft, congenital cranial anomalies such as prominent ear and absence of external ear, congenital hand anomalies such as syndactylia and polydactylia, genital anomalies such as hypo- and epi-spadias and late-period burn sequel and problems are included in our treatment spectrum.
Our country needs somewhat divergent plastic surgery services due to different patient population in comparison with western countries. Although incidences tend to reduce, anomalies originating from consanguineous marriages and home accidents (burns originating from hot water bags and stove) are among pediatric age problems. Traffic and occupational accidents and peri-oral cancers are significant conditions valid for adulthood in plastic surgery.
In the field of aesthetics, the group complaining about overweight and dimensions of breast follows, in figure, the group of nasal and facial anomalies.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy refers to kill or stop growth of cancerous cells using high-energy radiation. It is a treatment method, similar to operation and chemotherapy, in cases with cancer, and it may be not only used alone, but it can be also combined with pre- and post-operative procedures and chemotherapy. Treatment is dependent on many significant factors including but not limited to age, overall health status, type of cancer diagnosed, grade and localization. The treatment decision is made after patient is examined by multiple physicians in relevant departments and each patient is individually considered. Therefore, customized therapy is planned for each patient even if they have same type of cancer.
On the contrary to chemotherapy, radiotherapy kills cancerous cells only in radiated region and thus, recurrence of the disease in radiated region is prevented or minimized. Chemotherapy refers to administration of anti-cancer drugs via intravenous line in order to deliver drug to whole body and thus, all tumor cells located in tissues are killed.
Radiation Oncology
PET CT
Radiation Oncology uses devices which enable three-dimensional conformal and dose-adjusted radiotherapy. Such devices are products of state-of-the-art technology and they ensure elimination of cancer cells and minimize the possibility of recurrence by enabling use of high therapy doses. They may be used for both superficial and deep tumors. Also, the device is characterized with whole- or partial-body radiation. Whole body radiation is required particularly in bone marrow transplantation and a type of skin lymphoma.
PET-CT is used as pathfinder when radiotherapy is planned for cancer patients in Radiation Oncology department and thus, the possibility to miss viable tumor cells is eliminated. When this method is used, even smallest tissue involving tumor cell is identified and tumor is completely targeted and involved in radiated area. This approach enhances control rate and increases survival rate.
PET-CT has a significant position in early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. PET-CT enables imaging whole body at metabolic and molecular level and it offers diagnostic skills for cancerous areas with millimetric size.
PET is a method where vascularization, metabolism and viability of tissues are shown in three dimensional images. PET-CT is a system combining PET and computerized tomography in single device.
PET-CT is most commonly used in oncologic diseases and it offers ease of use and highest level of comfort ranging from primary diagnosis of cancer, grading, determination of extent, treatment response to determine viable cancer load for planning therapy in all oncologic patients.
Principal fields of use of PET-CT:
- Early diagnosis and staging,
- Determining whether the therapy will be of benefit,
- Best effective therapy of cancerous region,
- Minimizing side effects originating from therapy,
- Monitoring recurred in treated area and thus, preventing patient from unnecessary chemotherapy administrations,
- In cardiologic patients, determining post-infarction viability of heart muscle,
- Determining eligibility of patients for by-pass or stent operation,
- Identifying priority of surgery in epileptic patients,
- Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Brachytherapy
Recently, Radiation Oncology offers three-dimensional conformal brachytherapy. Radiation sources and special applicators, which were previously placed into patient’s body, are imaged using computerized tomography device and they are transferred to planning system. Thus, accuracy of procedure is controlled and if any fault is determined, it is corrected before therapy is applied. Patient is provided therapy after three-dimensional image is obtained and necessary calculations are made. This system also eliminates the risk of missing tumor.
Neurology
Surgial Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease is roughly characterized as a disease influencing deeply localized structures of brain and it accounts for a substantial part of symptoms of movement disorders. Movement disorder refers to tremor particularly in arms and legs, body stiffness and decrease in velocity of movements. Tremor leads to very severe and stressful life for the patient, while body stiffness and decrease in velocity of movements prevents independent mobility of patient.
Deep Brain Situmulation
Treatment of the disease involves medications and surgery. Principal active substance of medical treatment is dopamine. However, surgical treatment is performed if resistance occurs against drug in the length of time and drug-related movement disorder develops.
It should be kept in mind that surgical treatment of Parkinson’s disease is a matter of team work. Patient is necessarily examined by neurologist in pre-operative period and later, patient is referred to neurosurgeon for operation. Postoperative follow-up of the patient is undertaken by same team.
Battery can be activated approximately in postoperative day 3 or 4. Tuning of battery parameters is made in periodical visits throughout first several weeks in postoperative period and the final adjustment is made when optimum yield is obtained. Life of the battery is 5 years and there is no need to repeat electrode insertion into skull to replace battery. Only main battery compartment is opened and expired battery is removed and new battery is placed with a brief operation.
If patient is well eligible for operation, efficiency will range between 40 percent and 90 percent. The efficiency rate of 40 percent implies that a patient with inability to dress and undress without support may wear garments without any support. Very mild residual tremor in single hand of patient who experienced insufferable tremor in the part and attending control visits by walking with spouse in arm despite inability to walk without support of spouse due to stiffness are examples of priceless happiness for both patient and physician.
Internal Medicine Sciences