A meticulous patient transfer from Istanbul to Buenos Aires
Dr Ozan Raimondo Perri of Marm Assistance coordinated a complex medical repatriation for a patient who had recently suffered a myocardial infarction
This case study details the transfer of a 66-year-old male with multiple comorbidities including epilepsy, chronic ischemic heart disease, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and Type 2 diabetes, from Turkey to Argentina via commercial airline.
After he began experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness, and sweating, the patient promptly contacted his insurance provider. The Marm Assistance medical team swiftly responded, facilitating his admission to an optimally selected hospital.
Diagnostic tests there confirmed an acute anterior myocardial infarction. The patient underwent successful primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and had a stent implanted. Following three days of hospital treatment, he was discharged, having fully recovered, and was accommodated at a local hotel.
Fit-to-fly assessment
Ten days post-discharge, the patient was reassessed to determine his fitness to fly. Dr Ozan R. Perri, in conjunction with the attending cardiologist, approved air travel under specific conditions. Despite an oxygen saturation level between 98–99%, it was decided to provide the patient with two litres/minute of supplemental oxygen intermittently during the flight to mitigate altitude-related risks.
Operational coordination
The operational team at Marm Assistance seamlessly managed all logistical aspects from medical care to the transfer assessment, maintaining close communication with the insurance company. The company authorised Marm Assistance to oversee the patient’s transfer. The in-house travel desk arranged all necessary travel accommodation for the patient, his spouse, and the accompanying medical professional.
After he began experiencing
symptoms such as shortness of
breath, chest pain, weakness,
and sweating, the patient
promptly contacted his
insurance provider
Repatriation process
On the day of departure, Dr Perri conducted a final evaluation, confirming the patient’s stability with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 15, stable hemodynamics, and an oxygen saturation of 99%. Given the heightened risk of embolism due to chronic medical conditions, a low- dose of Enoxaparin was administered prior to the 18-hour flight. Throughout the journey the patient was periodically reassessed, and necessary interventions were applied, along with exercises to ensure his comfort and wellbeing.
Conclusion
Upon arrival, the patient was in good health, exemplifying Marm Assistance’s dedication to delivering thorough and uninterrupted medical support services. This case underscores the intricate planning and comprehensive care involved in managing high-risk patients during long-distance commercial airline transfers.
July 2024
Issue
Is cancellation cover is keeping pace with the cost of vacations? We speak to underwriters and insurance experts on whether current insurance policies cover the claims people make if they were to cancel their holiday. We also look at how new technology is facilitating the accuracy of hospital bills.
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The Editorial Team updates the ITIJ website daily, and works on features for the print edition. With expert industry knowledge and years of experience in writing about complex travel insurance issues, the Editorial Team is ready to investigate and report on the topics that matter most to ITIJ's readers.
