Maple Health Tourism

Knee Pain — Genicular Artery Embolisation (GAE)

For suitable patients with painful knee osteoarthritis, Genicular Artery Embolisation may be considered. Chronic osteoarthritis can be associated with abnormal increased blood flow and inflammation around the knee. An Interventional Radiologist guides a tiny catheter through a small arterial puncture and selectively reduces abnormal blood flow to the inflamed areas.

• No large surgical incision
• Usually performed through a tiny pinhole
• Short hospital stay and relatively quick recovery
• May reduce pain and improve mobility in appropriately selected patients
• May help selected patients postpone major knee surgery

Heel Pain — Plantar Fasciitis & Intra-Arterial Therapy

Persistent heel pain is first assessed to confirm the cause, including plantar fasciitis. For selected patients with plantar fasciitis, we offer a specialised image-guided intra-arterial therapy. A small catheter is guided into the posterior tibial artery and medication is delivered directly into the arterial circulation supplying the painful region.

This targeted approach is intended to act directly at the site of inflammation and may provide rapid pain relief in appropriately selected patients. Our clinical experience has included patients reporting significant benefit after this therapy. Suitability is determined after specialist assessment and appropriate imaging.

• Targeted, image-guided treatment
• Medication delivered through the artery supplying the affected region
• Minimally invasive approach
• Designed for rapid symptom relief in selected patients
• Can be combined with rehabilitation and other appropriate treatments

Fibroids can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, pressure symptoms, abdominal enlargement, anaemia and reduced quality of life. For many women, removal of the uterus is not the only treatment option.

Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE/UAE)

Uterine Fibroid Embolisation is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure. Through a tiny puncture, a small catheter is guided into the arteries supplying the fibroids. Microscopic particles are delivered to reduce their blood supply. Over time, the fibroids shrink and symptoms commonly improve.

• Uterus-preserving treatment
• No large surgical incision
• Can treat multiple fibroids during the same procedure
• Shorter hospitalisation and recovery than major surgery
• Can avoid hysterectomy in appropriately selected patients

Internal haemorrhoids can cause recurrent bleeding, prolapse, discomfort and anaemia. Some patients continue to experience symptoms despite medication and conventional treatment.

Haemorrhoidal Artery Embolisation

For appropriately selected internal haemorrhoids, Interventional Radiology offers haemorrhoidal artery embolisation, sometimes called the Emborrhoid technique. A tiny catheter is introduced through an artery and guided under X-ray imaging to the arteries supplying the haemorrhoids. These vessels are selectively blocked, reducing excessive blood flow to the haemorrhoidal cushions.

• No surgical cutting of the haemorrhoids
• Tiny arterial puncture
• Potential for less post-procedure pain than conventional surgery in selected patients
• Short hospital stay
• Faster return to normal activities for many patients

Maple Health Tourism can coordinate dental evaluation and treatment with experienced dental specialists. Complex care can be planned before arrival so that investigations, procedures and follow-up appointments are organised efficiently.

• Dental examination and digital imaging
• Cleaning and preventive dentistry
• Root canal treatment
• Crowns, bridges and dental implants
• Cosmetic dentistry and smile rehabilitation
• Full-mouth rehabilitation where required

A comprehensive health assessment can be incorporated into the patient’s visit to India, including for accompanying family members. The programme is personalised according to age, sex, family history, lifestyle and individual risk factors.

• Physician consultation and complete clinical examination
• Blood pressure, BMI and cardiovascular risk assessment
• Complete blood count, blood sugar and HbA1c
• Kidney and liver function tests
• Lipid/cholesterol profile and thyroid assessment where appropriate
• Urine examination and ECG
• Ultrasound abdomen and other imaging when clinically indicated
• Age- and risk-appropriate cancer screening
• Women’s and men’s health screening as appropriate
• Specialist consultations based on findings

The aim is not simply to hand over laboratory reports, but to provide a clinician-led summary of health, identified risks and recommendations for prevention or further treatment.

Erectile dysfunction can have several causes, including diabetes, vascular disease, medication, hormonal factors and psychological factors. In selected men, the underlying problem may be reduced arterial blood flow to the penis or abnormal venous leakage.

1. 1

   Step 1 — Specialist Assessment

   Evaluation can include relevant blood tests, hormonal/metabolic assessment and specialist consultation.

2. 2

   Step 2 — Penile Doppler Ultrasound

   A penile Doppler examination can be performed following administration of a vasoactive medication such as papaverine or another appropriate agent under medical supervision. This assesses arterial inflow and looks for evidence of abnormal venous outflow.

3. 3

   Step 3 — Advanced Vascular Imaging

   If Doppler suggests a vascular cause and intervention is being considered, selected patients may undergo penile angiography or other specialised vascular investigations to identify the exact abnormality.

4. 4

   Step 4 — Individualised Treatment

   • Endovascular treatment of suitable arterial narrowing or occlusion
   • Evaluation and selected endovascular treatment for venogenic erectile dysfunction where appropriate
   • PRP or growth-factor-based regenerative therapies where clinically appropriate, with clear discussion of evidence and limitations
   • Medical, hormonal, lifestyle or other specialist treatment when vascular intervention is not indicated