Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery Cost In India
The Average cost of Aortic Valve Replacement in India ranges between USD 5500 to USD 6500.
Patient has to spend 6-8 days in the hospital and approximately 2 Weeks outside the hospital.
Due to the use of latest technologies and advancements in the medical field, the success rate is around 94% to 97%. The Success rate has further improved in complicated cases by the use of TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve replacement) especially in the cases where surgical correction is contraindicated.
Tests required to detect damage in valves include Echocardiography (ECHO) Transesophageal echo (TEE), ECG, Chest X-Ray, Cardiac Catheterization, Stress Testing, or Cardiac MRI.
What Is Aortic Valve Replacement?
An Aortic Valve Replacement is a type of open-heart surgery used to treat problems with the heart’s aortic valve. It involves removing a faulty or damaged valve and replacing it. During this surgery, the damaged valve is removed and replaced with an artificial valve. The valve replacement is mostly an open-heart surgery, in few cases a minimally invasive surgery or a catheter procedure may be possible.
- Aortic stenosis- when the opening of the valve becomes smaller, obstructing the flow of blood out of the heart.
- Aortic regurgitation- when the valve is leaky allowing blood to flow back through into the heart .
Causes of Aortic valve not working properly?
There might be a blockage or flawed improvement of the valves, with the end goal that the blood doesn’t move freely and may also revert back to the preceding chamber. This may cause the blood to flow incorrectly or the heart to get stressed while pumping blood.
The primary reasons because of which the aortic valve may need to be replaced can be stated as:-
- Congenital defects: At birth, the heart of a patient with aortic valve issues may not form properly. This may give rise to complications later in life.
- Age-specific changes: The structure and state of health of the heart changes with age. This may be also a primary cause for problems in the cardiac valves.
- Infections: Many bacteria like species of Streptococcus and Mycobacterium can colonize the cardiac tissue. The persistent infection can be cause for the valve replacement.
- High Pressure of the blood: The pressure of the blood flow is a contributing factor for the state of the valves of the heart and often acts as a two-way system. The blockage of the blood flow in the valves causes the blood pressure to rise; and likewise, high force of blood flow can hinder the function of the aortic and mitral valves.
- Injury to the heart: Although the heart is protected by the ribcage from the front of in the back, any injury to the cardiac tissues may cause problems in the functioning of the cardiac valves.
For mitral valves, one extra factor has been believed to go about as a reason for replacement of the valve separated from the previously mentioned ones. If a individual experiences rheumatic fever, a complexity from a Streptococcus infection in the heart, the mitral valve may get narrow, a condition known as mitral valve stenosis. Hence, broad Consultation from doctors or cardiologists is the first step to cover, before going under the Knife.
Benefits of Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery
There are numerous benefits to repairing the mitral valve instead of replacing it:
- Better preservation of heart function
- Lower risk of complications
- No need for long-term use of blood thinners.
Symptoms when heart valves do not work properly?
Symptoms vary in case of heart valve diseases. It is because sometimes it doesn’t show any symptoms, whereas sometimes people may suddenly experience them. The common symptoms of heart valve disease are:
Here are the Common Signs and symptoms of aortic valve disease:
- Breathlessness
- Fainting during physical activity
- Chest pain or tightness
- Abnormal heartbeat (Arrhythmia)
- Tiredness after being active
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness
- Ankles and feet are swollen.
Diagnosis for Aortic Valve Replacement?
Physical Exam
- With stethoscope to check for heart mumble brought about by a heart valve issue.
- Your Surgeon will check for liquid in lungs.
- check for swollen ankles and other signs for water retention.
Diagnostic Tests
- Echocardiography (echo) is the main test for diagnosing heart valve disease.
- Transesophageal Echo or TEE, to get a better image of your heart.
- ECG (electrocardiogram) to diagnose irregular heart beat and signs of previous heart attack.
- Chest X ray- to see if heart enlarged or fluid in lung or calcium deposists in heart.
- Cardiac Catheterization, Stress Testing or Cardiac MRI help your doctor assess how severe your condition is so he or she can plan your treatment
Aortic Valve replacement surgeries have two main types.
Open Aortic Valve Replacement via Sternotomy– wherein damaged aortic valve is replaced by surgery
Minimally invasive surgery:
In this procedure, tiny incisions are made in the chest instead of large openings. This will give a quicker recovery than normal surgical procedures, and the patients have less discomfort than the conventional ones.
Transcatheter Technique:
It is a minimally invasive process in which surgeon inserts a catheter into bone marrow and reaches the major artery. Then, they weave a new valve into the damaged one without removing the valve.
Procedure for Aortic Valve Replacement
Before surgery to have your aortic valve repair or aortic valve replacement, your Surgeon and treatment team will explain to you what to expect before, during and after the surgery and potential risks of the surgery.
Your Surgeon will determine the most appropriate treatment option for you by considering your health status, severity of the condition and risks and benefits of each type.
Before admitting to the hospital for your surgery, talk to your caregivers, Doctor Coordinator or Hospital Counselor about your hospital stay and discuss any help you may need when you return home.
The surgery will be performed under general anaesthesia, so you will be unconscious and won’t feel any pain.
During Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery
- Procedure performed under general anaesthesia.
- IV line inserted, breathing tube is inserted and catheter put in bladder.
- Incision made in middle of chest, surgeon separates sternum to expose pericardium, then opens pericardium to expose heart.
- Connects heart to heart lung machine, tubes are used to reroute the blood into machine which takes over the function of heart and lung during the operation.
- Heart is temporarily stopped and blood removed, aortic valve is still and allows surgeon to see it.
- Surgeon opens aorta to see aortic valve, makes incision around edge of damaged valve and replaces it.
- The surgeon then closes the aorta with stitches, blood allowed to flow into heart to check the function of heart, if needed electric shock given to heart to restart the heart.
- Temporary pacemaker wires on surface to ensure normal rhythm of heart.
After Procedure
- After an aortic valve replacement, you’ll usually need to stay in hospital for about a week.
- You will be kept in intensive care unit (ICU) for the first day or two after your operation, before moving to a surgical ward.
- the activity of your heart, lungs and bodily functions will be closely monitored, wires attached to sensor pads to measure your heart rate, blood pressure and blood flow, and the air flow to your lungs.
- you’ll be given painkillers.
- a tube attached to a ventilator will be placed until you’re able to breathe.
- You may have several tubes and monitors attached to you.
- Draining tube – small tubes from your chest to drain away any build-up of blood or fluid.
- Pacing wires– if necessary, these will be inserted near the chest drains to control your heart rate.
After Care
- Adviced to follow a cardiac rehabilitation programme
- avoid strenuous exercise, sudden strains and heavy lifting for three months
- you may not be able to drive for around six weeks
- report to the physician if signs of infection
Risks of Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery
The aortic valve replacement is a major surgery and like any other surgery carries risks. The risks of complications increase with the age of the patient and general health of patient.
- Infection– there’s a risk of wound infections, lung infections, bladder infections and heart valve infections
- Excessive bleeding
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- The valve may wear out
- Temporary arrhythmia (iregular heartbeat)
- Kidney problems for few days after surgery– In a few cases, temporary dialysis may be needed.
- A valve that fails- There is a small chance that the valve will not work.
Factors Affecting Cost Of Aortic Valve Replacement
The cost to the patient depends on a variety of factors like:
- The hospital, the patient chooses
- Room– Standard single room, deluxe room, super deluxe room for the number of nights specified (including nursing fee, meals, room rate, and room service)
- Fee for the team of doctors and OT charges
- cost of medications
- Standard test and diagnostic procedures.
- cost of the valve selected
- Cost of the follow –up care required after the procedure
Why to choose India for Heart Value Replacement:-
Top standard aortic valve replacement surgery is performed in India on account of splendid and experienced cardiovascular specialists.
The additional advantage of accepting treatment in India is the cost saving. Cardiac Surgery In India is an extensive procedure joining ways to deal with decrease dangers with methodologies focusing on people at high hazard.
India is home to the absolute most exceptional mechanical condition for aortic valve Replacement in India.
From Robotic Heart Surgeries to Hybrid Operating Suites, India is prepared to serve and is at standard with any of the best worldwide emergency clinics.
So, cardiac patients no need to worry, because the heart surgeons are highly Skilled, experienced & have conducted numerous successful surgeries on patients from many corners of the world.
Related Article
Frequently Asked Questions About Aortic Valve Replacement
Q. What is the success rate of aortic valve replacement surgery In India?
A. A recent study found that aortic valve replacement surgery has a 94 percent five-year survival rate. Survival rates depend on:
- your age
- your overall health
- other medical
- conditions you have
your heart function
Q. How serious is a heart valve replacement?
A. Possible risks of Aortic valve repair or Aortic valve replacement surgery include: Bleeding during or after the surgery. Blood clots that can cause heart attack, stroke, or lung problems. Infection.
Q. Can the aortic valve be replaced without open heart surgery?
A. Cardiologists expect wider use of the less-invasive technique—known as TAVR—in the near future. The one-way valve inside your aorta opens to allow blood to surge from the heart to the rest of your body.
Q. Can you live a normal life after aortic valve replacement?
A. For aortic valve replacement patients in general, this loss was 1.9 years. Without treatment, however, the mean survival for these patients is two to three years. The researchers found no differences in loss of life expectancy between women and men.
Best Heart Surgeons In India
Dr. Udgeath Dhir
Director, 15 years experience, Gurgaon, India
Dr Naresh Trehan
Chairman, MBBS 40 Years of Experience Gurgaon, India
Dr Y k Mishra
Director , MBBS, MD, Fellowship, Fellowship 32 Years of Experience New Delhi , India.
