What is CCSVI?

CCSVI stands for chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency. This means that there are blockages and narrowing of some of the most important veins that drain the blood from the brain (and rest of the central nervous system) back to the heart. It has been hypothesized to play a role in the cause of multiple sclerosis (MS). This hypothesis was first put forth by the Italian Professor Paolo Zamboni in 2008. He has developed diagnostic protocol, known as Zamboni's protocol.

What is included in the CCSVI package?

The complete CCSVI package includes all transfers, 3 night BB for you and your companion, personal assistance, full Doppler diagnostic, MRI, complete blood check, cardiologist and neurological consult, invasive phlebography and balloon dilatation.

What is the difference between the Vinco Echo Doppler and the regular doppler used for CCSVI diagnostic?

ESAOTE MyLabVinco® is equipped with the latest and best technology available to perform a high resolution ultrasound examination. ESAOTE MyLabVinco® Doppler is the only echo doppler developed to exam slow blood flow in veins including stenosis and reflux and confirms CCSVI.

Where and who is performing the liberation treatment?

Angioplasty is performed by the team of Dr Bachvarov at University hospital "Saint Marina", department "Radiology and angioplasty". He has been working angioplasty for more than 15 years. So far he has performed over 1000 arterial angioplasties and over 60 vein angioplasties.

What is the experience and training of the doctors at CCSVI BG?

You can find details about the professional experience of our medical team here. In addition to this we are proud that our doctors participated in a comprehensive CCSVI training course by Proff. Zamboni's in Ferrara, Italy. Being part of Prof. Zamboni's research, we are able to discuss every special case with him and ask for his professional opinion.

How long does the liberation procedure take and what kind of anesthetic you use?

If stenosis is confirmed , we schedule your liberation treatment for the next day. Usually the liberation procedure lasts for 1,5 – 2 hours. It can be longer or shorter, depending on the specific medical case. We use only local anesthesia on the place of vein penetration.

Which veins get treated?

We treat both jugular veins and azygos vein.

Should I do anything specific before the liberation procedure?

We recommend a light breakfast and refrain from drinking much on the morning before the procedure. Please inform us if you are taking any medications so the doctor can instruct you on how to take them.

How long do I stay in the hospital after the liberation procedure?

The usual stay in the hospital after the angioplasty is 24 hours. You will be accommodated in a private room with TV and bathroom at the "Vascular Surgery" department. Your companion is welcome to accompany you for this overnight. We provide you with food catering at your choice for the dinner.

Is there a specific diet that I have to follow in the hours after the liberation treatment?

After the intervention its important to drink more liquids to remove the contrast used during the angioplasty. Your personal assistant will bring you water and juices of your choice in the hospital room. You can eat anything you like. You can choose your meals from the catering menu. Dinner will be delivered to your bed at preferred time.

What are the risks of the Angioplasty (the Liberation treatment)?

The procedure risks are near zero. Angioplasty is not considered surgery and thus, it does not require the patient to be under complete anesthesia. This is an endovascular intervention, called balloon dilatation, aiming to restore the normal blood flow in veins. During the liberation procedure you are in constant contact with the doctors, who will explain to you the entire endovascular treatment process.

Should I bring any medical documents with me?

Please, bring your medical documentation and reports as complete as possible, MRI records related to Multiple Sclerosis. MS diagnosis and any other medical information that might help the specialists, including the medical treatment so far.

What medical documentation will be supplied to me after the testing and treatment to bring back to my doctors here for post-treatment follow up?

After the procedures you will be handed a complete file of medical reports from all exams, blood investigation, as well as the images on DVD from MRI, Doppler exam and balloon dilatation. We will provide you with a report about the angiography / angioplasty and recommendations for further medication and rehabilitation.

Where can I find more information about Bulgaria and is it safe to travel there?

Since 2007 Bulgaria is a full-right member state of the European Union and just like any other member /UK, Spain, France, Italy or Germany/ provides you the safety and comfort. One of the fast growing European economies and one of the quick changing societies, Bulgaria is eager to prove its capacity to be a wee-developed, stable and reliable partner. Bulgarians are famous for ages for their hospitality and good-heart. Many people speak foreign languages, especially the younger who speak English, German, French and/or Russian. To find out more about our country, please read here.

Who is going to wait for me at the airport when I arrive in Bulgaria?

From the moment you land in Bulgaria you will be accompanied by a personal assistant. The assistant will meet you with recognizable table with your name. We offer specialized transport for wheelchairs if requested ahead.

Where do I stay and what transport I need?

Your personal assistant will transfer you to the hotel. You are accommodated in Grand Hotel Dimyat - 5*- high class, brand new , centrally located hotel with easy access to main points in Varna. We take care for all your transportation needed for the CCSVI package.

Can I choose the type of hotel room?

Grand Hotel Dimyat offers accommodation in single, double rooms and apartments. Most rooms have sea view. Wheelchair users are accommodated in a room with special facilities.

At what times will the personal assistant accompany me?

The personal assistant will be with you for most of the time. He/she will greet you at the airport, be with you during all transfers and medical examination and procedures in the medical center and hospital. In addition, you will be provided a Bulgarian mobile phone so that you can contact us at anytime during your stay.

Is there WiFi Internet available?

Yes, there is a free internet connection at the hotel and at the hospital.

What can I do during my free time in Varna?

If you wish you can visit the city centre of Varna, which is just 10 min walk from the hotel. Right in front of the hotel is the evergreen Sea garden – lovely relaxing park with walking alleys, flowers, monuments, terraces. Varna has a number of museums, such as Archeological museum, which holds the worlds oldest golden treasure, Navy museum, Ethnographic museum, Art Galleries, Dolfinarium … Varna has several big shopping centers. We can advise you what to see and visit according to your personal interests.

How many days do I have to spend in Varna, Bulgaria for the treatment?

The time needed for all medical examinations and the liberation procedure is 3 days. However, we recommend you to stay 5-6 days in Bulgaria so that you recover fully and be ready for a return trip.

What happens after my treatment in Bulgaria?

We keep track of all our patients and keep in constant contact to follow your post-operation condition. We are available at any time for questions, advises and follow-up. We offer personalized healthcare service and we take in careful consideration every question from our patients and every concern that they may have. If your GP doctor supports your CCSVI treatment, we will be happy to keep contact with him as well.

Do I have to come back to Varna, Bulgaria for a follow up of my CCSVI and liberation treatment?

We recommend a control CCSVI check 6 months after the liberation treatment. In case of restenosis, we perform 2nd liberation treatment at a preferential price.

Do you offer assistance in booking flights to / from Bulgaria?

Our partners at BG Medical Tourism will be happy to assist you in finding the easiest way to reach Bulgaria. We are flexible to adjust your CCSVI schedule according to your flights.

What is the currency in Bulgaria and where can we exchange money?

The currency in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (BGL). Within the hotel you can pay bills in Leva, Euros or US dollars. Local shops and restaurants accept payment only in Leva. Most however accept payments also by credit cards. Changing money is possible in every bank and numerous official exchange offices in the centre.