Fontan Procedures Cost In India

Fontan Procedures cost in India for International patients is between USD 6480 to USD 7920. Patient has to stay in the hospital for 12 days and outside the hospital for 10 days. The total cost of the treatment depends on the diagnosis and facilities opted by the patient.

What are Fontan Procedures?

The Fontan procedure is today the last staged operation for all children born with congenital heart disease who cannot be offered a 2-ventricle repair.

How is the Procedure Performed?

During the procedure, the right atrium is baffled with an intra arterial patch and the superior vena cava is sutured directly to the right pulmonary artery. Performing the anastomosis between the superior vena cava and the right pulmonary artery at an earlier age as an intermediate step decreased total mortality and morbidity to achieve a final Fontan circulation.

Who is the Right Doctor for Fontan Procedures?

The right doctor to consult for Fontan procedures is a Cardiac Surgeon.

What is the Usual Success Rate for this Procedure?

The success rate varies between 62-76%. The Fontan Procedure is a surgical procedure used for treating cardiac conditions such tricuspid atresia and hypoplastic left heart syndrome. During this treatment, the doctor modifies the cardiac structure so that certain regions of the heart can be bypassed and blood can flow more effectively to the lungs. During Fontan Surgery in India, a surgery is carried out to treat Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a congenital defect in which a newborn has only one functional ventricle. In this syndrome, oxygen-rich and oxygen-depleted blood are mixed in the circulation, turning a child blue. After two other procedures, the Fontan procedure is performed when a child is between the ages of 18 months and two years. The Cost of Fontan Procedure in India starts from USD 7500. The cost may differ depending on various factors, including your medical condition, the surgeon’s experience, and the type of facility you choose. However, the Fontan Procedure Cost in India is comparatively low as compared to other developed countries.

What is the Fontan Procedure?

A Fontan Procedure in India improves circulation in individuals who only have one functional ventricle in their heart. This condition occurs as a result of one of several congenital heart disorders.The Fontan surgery allows oxygen-depleted blood from the lower half of your body to bypass your heart and flow directly to your pulmonary artery (and ultimately to your lungs) for oxygen. This type of procedure is frequently performed after a second operation (the Glenn procedure) that transfers oxygen-depleted blood from your upper body to your pulmonary artery and lungs. Following the Fontan Procedure in India, all oxygen-depleted blood flows to and through your pulmonary artery to your lungs rather than first passing through your heart. This blood flows passively, or without the assistance of a pumping ventricle. Your heart is composed of four chambers:

• Two upper chambers (atria) 
• Two lower chambers (ventricles) 

When one of your ventricles, or one of your heart’s main valves, does not form properly before birth, your other ventricle must compensate for the undersized or non functioning ventricle.

Who is the Right Candidate for Fontan Procedure in India?

Children between the ages of 2 and 15 (typically 3 to 5) who were born with a single ventricle condition will be a Right Candidate for Fontan heart Procedure in India. However, it is not for everyone. The doctor treating your child will determine whether or not they are a good candidate for the Fontan procedure. For example, their functional ventricle must be powerful enough to pump effectively, and their lungs must be in good enough condition to receive passive blood flow. Before receiving a Fontan heart treatment, your child will likely need to undergo at least one prior procedure, such as:

• Norwood Procedure
• Glenn Procedure
• Blalock-Taussig-Thomas (BTT) shunt
• Pulmonary Artery Band

How Many Types of Fontan Procedures Available in India?

Fontan procedures in India can be performed in a variety of methods. The Types of Fontan Procedure in India are defined mostly by the specific kind of cardiac defect. The three ways listed below will help to restore blood flow:

• Extracardiac Fontan: Another name for this type of procedure is Extracardiac Total Cavo Pulmonary Connection. The blood flow is altered here by disconnecting the IVC from the heart and connecting it to a tube running down the underside of the pulmonary artery.
• Lateral tunnel Fontan: This procedure is also known as Intracardiac Total Cavo Pulmonary Connection. A lateral tunnel connects the lower segment of the pulmonary artery that leads to the lungs to the higher portion of the right atrium.
• Atriopulmonary connection: A connection is made between the right atrium and the pulmonary artery during the original Fontan procedure, also known as the Aortopulmonary Connection Technique.

What is the Cost of Fontan Procedure in India?

The Fontan Procedure in India is substantially less expensive than in other countries, making it more accessible to patients. However, the Fontan Procedure Cost in India starts from USD 7500. Furthermore, India is home to some of the Best Cardiologists in India who have extensive training and expertise in carrying out the Fontan Procedure. Patients from Western countries, according to estimations, can save thousands of dollars by having Fontan Procedure in India. The complete treatment plan includes:

• 10-14 days stay in the hospital including ICU admission.
• Duration of 4-7 hours of surgery
• 25-30 days of stay in the country
• Doctor’s team consultation fees
• Surgical costing
• Pre and Post operative care and all medical Tests

How Fontan Procedure in India is Performed?

Before the Procedure :

After your child’s healthcare professional determines that he or she is a candidate for the Fontan procedure, they will do testing that may include:

• Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE).
• Electrocardiogram (EKG).
• Heart catheterization.
• Pulmonary assessment (checking your child’s breathing and oxygen level).
• Imaging, such as CT or MRI, in some cases.

During the Procedure :

On operation day, your child’s healthcare professional will provide anesthesia to put them to sleep deeply and painlessly. While connecting your child’s inferior vena cava to their pulmonary artery, the surgeon will connect them to a machine that will temporarily do the work of their heart and lungs. This directs oxygen-depleted blood from your child’s lower body to the artery that leads to their lungs. Additional heart treatments, such as widening the opening between the upper chambers (atria) or repairing one of the heart valves, may be performed simultaneously by a surgeon. Depending on the condition of your child’s heart and lungs, a small fenestration (opening) may be formed in the tube that connects the inferior vena cava to the pulmonary artery. Fontan procedure in India might last four to five hours. Your child’s healthcare team will keep you updated as often as possible during the process.

After the Procedure :

Your child will be transferred to an intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring. They’ll then be taken to a regular hospital room.When it’s time to go home, your healthcare practitioner will give you instructions on how to care for your child.

What are the Possible Risks Associated with Fontan Procedure?

• The stenosis (narrowing) of the pulmonary arteries causes pulmonary hypertension (increased pulmonary blood pressure).
• Due to atrioventricular valve regurgitation, blood can backflow from the atrium into the ventricle.
• The surgically placed duct or tube has stenosis (narrowing).
• Formation of blood clots and emboli, especially pulmonary embolism.
• Increased pressure in the IVC causes liver damage (cirrhosis), liver failure, liver cancer, and elevated blood pressure in the liver blood arteries (portal hypertension).
• Ischemia, infarction, and the inability to participate in strenuous exercise are all symptoms of ventricular failure.
• Pleural effusion, a buildup of fluid surrounding the lungs, causes breathlessness and a prolonged hospital stay.
• Intolerance to exercise
• There could be liver problems, such as hepatic fibrosis.
• Patients may require a heart transplant after a few years.