Balloons Or Stents?

Until more information comes forward on stents, there are stents developed specifically for veins, or significant modifications can be made to ensure the safety of stents, the team only recommends using balloon angioplasty. This is staying true to Dr Zamboni’s research.

As most of you know, there is some risk of re-stenosis after a balloon angioplasty, although this seems to be falling dramatically as surgeons use larger balloon sizes, thus improving the efficacy of the technique.

What is not as well known is that re-stenosis can also occur after the application of stents leading to far more serious consequences. In these cases, according t our surgeons, it is possible the vein will remain closed and not be able to be re-opened. In addition, stents come with the risk of migration towards the heart and typically only last for 5-7 years. One must be fully aware of the risks and rewards of each technique. This is a very personal decision.

What Percentage Of Patients Have Stenosis?

Direct experience indicates approximately 97% of patients have CCSVI and are candidates for Liberation. Many have multiple blockages.

Do I Have To Be Pre-Screened Before Coming To Costa Rica For CCSVI Liberation?

Patients do not have to be pre-screened. In fact, we have seen instances of false negatives and false positives (rare) from pre-screening with MRV’s and Dopplers at home. The true test, Dr. Zamboni’s ‘gold standard’, is the venogram whereby the vascular surgeon enters the left iliac vein with a catheter, contrast dye, and a camera to take pictures of the venous system. This is the true test for CCSVI.

Many will still opt to be pre-screened at home though at additional cost.

What If I Do Not Have CCSVI?

This does happen in very rare cases (approximately 3%). If no stenoses are found, you will be refunded the unused portion of the package (rehabilitation, angioplasty, medications costs, etc.).

What If There Is A Complication?

Although complications are not common, any medical procedure has the potential to have them. If there are additional costs, they are born by the patient.  Medical complication insurance coverage is available through Compass Benefits.  Contact us for more information.

Possible complications associated with CCSVI Liberation are: bruises, hematoma at the puncture site, bleeding at the puncture site, ruptured vessels, the possible need for a blood transfusion (intra or post-operative), infections, fever, and the formation of thrombosis and embolism.

Re-Stenosis

No matter where you choose to access the Liberation Treatment, or whether treating physicians are choosing angioplasty or stents, re- stenosis, the closing of veins, remains a possibility.  One has to be very aware of this.

We have worked with the medical team in Costa Rica to create and economically feasible treatment for past-patients who have re-stenosed.

If you are a past-treated patient from Costa Rica, please contact us for further details.

What Is An EDSS Rating?

An EDSS rating is an Expanded Disability Status Scale which combines a standard neurological examination in conjunction with observations and information concerning gait and use of assisted devices. This scale has been used in almost every clinical trial in the last four decades.

Click Here For a Link to the EDSS Scale.

Hotel Accommodations

Accommodation will be in a 4 – 5* hotel / recovery center. We suggest only the patient and one support person per room. Additional people will be charged extra.

Can I Go On Tours While In Costa Rica?

Ultimately, patients and caregivers need to remember they are in Costa Rica for a medical procedure and recuperation, not a vacation. Any tours should be discussed with the doctor and rehab personnel before undertaking them, and they will likely not recommend them during your treatment.

Ultimately, the best time to do tours is before your procedure or after the completion of the program. Many come a couple days early or stay a couple days extra to travel beyond the city to experience the true beauty of Costa Rica.

Will Heat And Humidity In Costa Rica Effect Patients?

San Jose is located on a plateau approximately a mile above sea level, so it is significantly cooler than the coasts. Furthermore, all members of our team have been educated on the necessity of climate control with ms patients, and vehicles will be set to cool temperatures to accommodate our patients’ needs.

There has been a great deal of information presented here, and we will likely be adding additional information going forward. It is very important that people are fully educated on any option and satisfy themselves with all the details. This is a big decision, and one that will not be for everyone.

If you decide to move forward with this option, we will help you through every step of the way.