Heart Valve Replacement Cost in India

What is Valve Replacement?

The heart is made up of tissues and muscles that pump blood. It is divided into a right and left side and has four chambers: 2 lower chambers called ventricles and 2 upper chambers called atria. Valves are present between each chamber of the heart to keep the blood from flowing back into the previous chamber and keep the blood flowing forward throughout the heart.

• Pulmonary valve: It is located between the pulmonary artery and the right ventricle.
• Tricuspid valve: It is present between the right ventricle and atrium.
• Aortic valve: It is located between the aorta and the left ventricle.
• Mitral valve: It is located between the left ventricle and left atrium.

When these valves are diseased or damaged and do not function normally, they may need repair or replacement. These conditions can be caused due to conditions like valve regurgitation (leaky valve) and valve stenosis (stiffness). When one or more valves become stiff or narrow, the blood has to be pumped with extra force by the heart. When one or more valves become leaky, the blood leaks back to the previous chamber leading to an inefficient amount of blood in the right direction. Earlier traditional open heart surgeries were performed to replace or repair the damaged valves. Now, minimally invasive procedures are done that use artificial valves (human valves donors or made from animal valves).

Types of Heart Valve Replacement in India And Their Cost

Depending on the disease and condition, the type of heart valve replacement surgery is chosen.

• Surgical valve repair: $3,061 – $6,123
• Commissurotomy: Repairing tight valves by slightly cutting open the valve leaflets or flaps to loosen them.
• Annuloplasty: Repairing leaky valves by sewing sutures around the valve’s base ring or attaching a ring-like device to support it.
• Valvotomy: Enlarging narrowed valves, sometimes done through a balloon.

Non-surgical valve repair:

• Percutaneous or balloon valvuloplasty: $3,600 – $4400, used for narrowed or stiffened valves.
• Percutaneous mitral valve repair: $3,371 – $6,307, fixing the mitral valve in high-risk patients using a catheter and a clip.

Heart valve replacement:

• Mechanical valve replacement: $4,950 – $6,050, durable but may lead to blood clot formation, requiring lifelong anticoagulants.
• Biological valve replacement: Enquire Now
• Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: $25,000 – $42,000, minimally invasive, placing a new aortic valve on top of the damaged one.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Heart Valve Replacement in India

• Esteemed hospitals: Equipped with modern infrastructure, technology, and specialized intensive care units.
• Exceptional medical professionals: Highly skilled doctors and surgeons discussing procedures, risks, and aftercare with patients.
• Affordable cost: Medical packages covering treatment, medication, post-operative care, and other costs are affordable compared to other countries.
• Type of heart valve disease: Three types – Artesia, regurgitation, and stenosis, depending on the affected valve (mitral, tricuspid, aortic, pulmonary).
• Health and age of the patient: Overall age and health affect treatment costs, with younger, healthier patients tolerating higher doses of medications.
• Pre and post-operative costs: Physical examinations, blood tests, imaging tests, and post-operative care contributes to overall costs.

Benefits of  Valve Replacement Surgery in India?

• Increased energy: Improved heart valve function results in increased energy for many patients.
• Everyday activities: Patients regain the ability to perform daily tasks more easily.
• Breathing: Efficient pumping of blood improves oxygen delivery, reducing shortness of breath.
• Pain: Relief from heart palpitations, reducing pain and discomfort.
• Anxiety: Reduced stress and anxiety about the heart condition.

Risks of Heart Valve Replacement Surgery in India

• Bleeding, damage to blood vessels.
• Blood clots leading to stroke, heart attack, or lung issues.
• Infection at the incision area.
• Pneumonia, breathing problems.
• Endocarditis or infection at the new valve (common in valve replacement).
• Arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms, requiring a pacemaker.
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
• Valve failure.

Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease

• Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity.
• Palpitations (rapid or slow heart rate).
• Dizziness or weakness.
• Chest discomfort, especially during activity.
• Edema (swelling in the abdomen, ankles, or feet).
• Fatigue.

How is Heart Valve Replacement Performed?

Before:

• An IV is inserted into the hand or forearm of the patient.
• Medicines and fluids are administered through the IV.
• Patients wear comfortable and loose clothing, avoiding contact lenses, jewelry, nail polish, eyeglasses, etc.
• If hair is present in the operation area, it may be shaved off.
• For most surgeries, patients receive medications inducing a sleep-like state or general anesthesia.
• Some may be connected to a heart-lung bypass machine to maintain blood flow during surgery.

During:

• Aortic valve repair: Done through open-heart surgery or minimally invasive procedures, addressing tissue tears, adding support, separating fused cusps, or replacing the valve.
• Minimally invasive aortic valve repair: Uses balloon valvuloplasty for less invasive treatment through small incisions.
• Aortic valve replacement: Involves removing and replacing the aortic valve with mechanical, biological, or other types of valves.

Recovery after Heart Valve Replacement Surgery in India:

After:

• Patients may spend up to a week in the hospital, with a day or more in the intensive care unit.
• Medications, fluids, and nutrition are given through IV.
• Tubes may drain urine, blood, and fluid from the chest and heart.
• Oxygen may be provided.
• Time in the ICU varies based on the procedure and condition.
• Breastbone healing takes 6 to 8 weeks, with full recovery in 2-3 months.
• Heavy lifting and driving should be avoided.

Success Rate Heart Valve Replacement Surgery in India

The 5-year success rate of heart valve replacement surgery is about 91% for mitral valve replacement, 94% for aortic valve replacement, 96% for pulmonary valve replacement, and 79% for tricuspid valve replacement. Success depends on factors such as age, overall health, symptom severity, the valve requiring replacement, and surgery risks.