Open Heart Surgery in India: Traditional vs. Modern Methods and Costs

Several new minimally invasive and robot-assisted cardiac procedures have been introduced recently. The advancement in medical technology and infrastructure is now slowly replacing the traditional approach to doing cardiac surgeries. There are, in fact, many procedures that can be performed by both approaches - open heart and minimally invasive.

Tests Performed Before Surgery

Your doctor might recommend various tests before a heart bypass or other types of heart surgery. To make the surgery safer, experiments are being carried out. Some of the common tests required before surgery are-

• Echocardiogram or Echo: Your cardiac muscle strength and the function of your heart valves are checked using an echocardiogram.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): The electrical signal from the heart is recorded with an ECG or EKG to screen for various cardiac diseases. Your heart rhythm and rate are monitored.

• Lab testing: Check your kidney function, liver function, blood count, urine, thyroid function, and blood type in case a transfusion is needed during your surgery.

• Chest X-Ray: A chest x-ray produces images of the heart, lungs, airways, blood vessels, and the bones of the spine and chest.

• Dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE): Dobutamine is put in a vein and causes the heart to beat faster. It mimics the effects of exercise on the heart.

• Treadmill Test or TMT: Also known as a cardiac stress test, this procedure identifies the maximum heart rate at which an abnormal rhythm or a decrease in blood supply to the heart muscle is not likely to occur.

• Complete blood count (CBC): is a blood test used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection, and leukemia.

• Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI: It is a technique that generates precise pictures of the internal structures of the heart using radio waves, a strong magnetic field, and a computer. This examination provides a thorough view of your heart.

Angiography- It is an X-ray technique used to examine blood arteries. This highlights your blood vessels so your doctor can see if there are any problems. Angiograms are the X-ray images produced during angiography.

How is Open Heart Surgery Performed?

The cardiac surgeon will assess your overall health before beginning your open-heart surgery. The operation may require you to stay in the hospital for 7-10 days.

>>Preparing for your open heart surgery

You can prepare yourself for the surgery by following the given steps:

• Check on your medications: You should share your medical history with your surgeon. Certain medicines should be avoided before your surgery. These include blood thinners, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and medicines for strokes. Your cardiac surgeon may tell you to stop taking these medicines 1-2 weeks before your surgery.
• Diet: It is vital that you take care of your health before the surgery. Since anesthesia is safer with an empty stomach, your cardiac surgeon may recommend you avoid food or drinks before the surgery.
• Alcohol and smoking: You should also abstain from smoking and drinking before the surgery. These habits can delay your recovery after the surgery.
• Do your research: You must communicate with your cardiac surgeon and understand the surgical procedure, its benefits, and risks in detail.  This will help you be well-informed and mentally prepared for your procedure.

>>Performing open heart surgery

Once you are ready for your open heart surgery, your cardiac surgeon will perform the procedure in the following manner:

• The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia.
• The cardiac surgeon makes an incision of about 6-8 inches in the center of the chest.
• They will access your heart by cutting the breastbone and spreading the ribcage.
• If you are having an on-pump surgery, then a heart-lung bypass machine will be connected to your heart. This equipment will temporarily take over lung and heart functions.
• Your healthcare team will constantly monitor your vitals during the surgery.
• After completing the open heart surgery, your cardiac surgeon will restart your heart and restore blood flow. Your heart begins to beat on its own and the bypass machine is removed.
• The incisions are sutured.

>>After the Surgery

You will stay in the ICU for a day or more. After some time, you can be moved to a normal hospital room. You may also experience the following symptoms after your operation:

• Pain or swelling in the region where the cut was made
• Memory issues
• Depression
• Pain in chest muscles

You should also consult your doctor for follow-up sessions if required. 

Why Choose India for Open Heart Surgery?

India sees a lot of cardiac patients every day, with a high success and recovery rate. Cardiac Care in India is exceptional in that it accepts patients from other countries. In terms of health infrastructure, India competes with developed countries similarly. Medical facilities in India are well-equipped with the most up-to-date medical technologies, as well as unrivaled expertise from leading cardiologists and heart surgeons. Indian cardiac surgeons are noted for providing a wide range of cardiac treatments, ranging from basic services to Open Heart Surgery at a reasonable price.

Services offered to International Patients in India 

• Simple booking process with easy access to the best medical care in India.
• Obtaining a medical visa is a simple process.
• Quick and effective service—immediate care without waiting lists
• Full patient support service- 24/7 services.
• Specialist consultations- scans, clinical investigations & consultations at short notice.
• Medical executives with fluent English
• Provide professional treatment and surgery of the finest quality possible.
• Ensure the right guesthouse for the travelers
• Handhold the patients through the treatment process at the hospital (in person and/or by phone- as and when required)
• Provide interpretation services if the patient or attendant is unable to communicate in English
• Response time is quick and is always available
• Multiple treatment options available
• Visible compassion for the traveler
• Holistic Hand Holding

Popular Open-Heart Surgeries and Their Costs 

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

The most common type of heart surgery is a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), in which the blocked coronary artery is replaced with a healthy artery or vein from another section of your body to allow blood to flow normally again. By avoiding the obstructed area of the coronary artery, the grafted artery or vein establishes a new route for blood to travel to the heart muscle. CABG is also known as heart bypass surgery or coronary artery bypass surgery.

Cost of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) in India 

With an artificial or biological valve made from pig, cow, or human heart tissue, surgeons can either repair or replace the cardiac valve. Even in these cases, a catheter is inserted into a significant blood vessel, and guided to the heart, and a tiny balloon is inflated and deflated at the catheter's tip to widen a tight valve.

Cost of Heart Valve Repair or Replacement in India

Insertion of a Pacemaker or an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)

The disorder known as arrhythmia is characterized by abnormally fast, sluggish, or irregular heartbeats. Medicine is usually the initial therapeutic option. A surgeon may implant a pacemaker under the skin of the chest or abdomen, with wires connecting it to the heart chambers if medicine fails. When a sensor identifies an aberrant heart rhythm, the device utilizes electrical pulses to control it. When an ICD detects a worrisome arrhythmia, it delivers an electric shock to restore the normal rhythm.

Cost of ICD in India

Heart Transplant

A sick or failing heart is swapped out with a healthier donor heart during a heart transplant. A heart transplant is normally reserved for patients whose condition has not improved enough with medications or other surgeries. Even though a heart transplant is a significant and difficult procedure, your chances of survival are good with the right aftercare.

Cost of Heart Transplant in India

Insertion of a ventricular assist device (VAD)/LVAD

A VAD is a mechanical pump that supports heart function and blood flow. A TAH replaces the two lower chambers of the heart. Your chest is implanted with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). It helps pump blood from the lower left heart chamber (left ventricle) to the rest of your body. A small aperture (port) in your skin connects a control unit and battery pack, which are carried externally, to the LVAD.

Cost of LVAD in India

Best Hospitals for Open Heart Surgery in India

1. Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi

Fortis Hospital is a multispecialty facility that offers a range of modern treatments for patients. It is situated in the vibrant city of Delhi, India, and has set benchmarks for delivering quality medical services to its patients. Fortis Hospital has 262 beds and around 35 specialties including neurosurgery and cardiology. A NABH and NABL-accredited hospital, its medical staff consists of highly trained and skilled doctors and nurses. It uses advanced technologies to address patients’ concerns like a 3D laparoscopic system, flat panel CATH lab, ERCP, and  EUS. Fortis Hospital has an International patient team that helps overseas patients with visa, airport transfer, and translation services. The cardiac sciences team at Fortis is capable of performing catheterizations, angioplasty, and stenting.

2. Sri Ramachandra Medical Center, Chennai

Sri Ramachandra Medical Center has emerged as a leading medical facility in the southern part of India. Though started as a teaching facility, It has evolved into a center for high-quality patient care. Equipped with 800 beds and a blood bank unit, it has the best surgeons, nurses, and physicians on the payroll. Since its inception, Sri Ramachandra Medical Center has been on a quest to attain the highest possible quality of healthcare delivery. It has received several accreditations like NABH, JCI, AABB, and NABL. Sri Ramachandra Medical Center’s cardiac care team is dedicated to improving the management and treatment of various cardiac conditions. It can cater to the heart problems of adults, children, and senior citizens. The cardiac care center has an emergency area, a non-invasive area, and invasive laboratory services.

3. Pushpawati Singhania Research Institute(PSRI), New Delhi

The Pushpawati Singhania research institute in New Delhi is a world-renowned hospital that offers state-of-the-art medical facilities and treatments. The hospital has expertise in multiple specialties and consists of a well-trained medical team. PSRI  believes in using a wholesome approach to addressing various diseases. Having received various accreditations like the NABH and NABL, the hospital offers highly-specialized treatments by expert doctors. Its cardiac sciences department is a leading center for treating various heart conditions like heart failure, rheumatic heart disease, angina, and cerebrovascular disease. PSRI also offers a range of services for its International patients like visa, travel, and accommodation assistance.

4. Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi

Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality is a leading hospital in New Delhi. It is a NABH and NABL-certified facility with around 230 beds. The hospital has an excellent team of doctors that are highly trained and proficient in managing various illnesses. Aakash Healthcare aims to deliver optimum care for diseases that require well-rounded expertise and proficiency. The cardiology and cardiac surgery department at Aakash Hospital is equipped with the requisite technologies for solving patients’ heart problems. These include diagnostic tests like ECG, EEG, Holter monitoring, carotid ultrasound, and stress test. Aakash Hospital also offers minimally invasive cardiac surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting, and LVAD implantation.

5. Aster Medcity, Kochi

Spread over a sprawling 40-acre campus, Aster Medcity has a world-class medical staff that consists of exceptional and talented healthcare providers. The center offers advanced and latest treatments and diagnostics. These include an automated pharmacy robot, 256-slice Philips ICT, CT scanner, and robotic surgeries for delivering the highest accuracy. Aster Medcity uses a holistic approach to quality treatment and is the first JCI-certified hospital in its state. The cardiac care center offers a range of services including a heart rhythm clinic, interventional cardiac procedures, and implantation of cardiac devices.

Consult with the Best Open Heart Surgeons in India

    4. Dr. Suman Bhandari5. Dr. Gaurav Mahajan

Avail the Pre-Bundled Packages for Open Heart Surgery in India

Open heart surgery is a major surgical operation used to correct heart diseases like coronary artery disease and congenital heart defects. It could also be performed for heart transplantation. Due to the high effectiveness and low cost of open heart surgery in India, the country has become an attractive destination for many patients.

 Traveling abroad for open heart surgery can seem challenging. However, Patients can avail of carefully crafted packages to make the process easy for them. These packages come with various features without any hidden costs. Some of the features of an open heart surgery package in India are:

• Open heart surgery process: The package is inclusive of costs of consultation of the surgeon, hospital room (specific period), anesthesia, tests associated with surgery, routine medications, and food for the patient and 1 companion while staying in the hospital.
• Accommodation: The package also includes the cost of hotel and hospital stay for the patient and 1 companion. A complimentary stay for the patient will also be provided.
• Airport transfer:  After landing in India, the patient will be received by an attendant who will assist the patient in reaching the hotel and hospital.

Package for CABG

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Package for Heart Valve Repair or Replacement

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Post-Surgery Care, Recovery & the Conclusion

Open heart surgery is a major operation that requires close monitoring and immediate post-operative support. The first few days will be spent in an intensive care unit. Once your heart rhythm and blood pressure have stabilized and you no longer require intravenous medications, you will be transferred to a regular room. After surgery, you'll most likely spend four to six days in the hospital. Some complex procedures such as pediatric cardiac surgery for cardiac defects, Bentall surgery, Norwood procedure, etc. may require a stay of up to 15 days at the hospital.

Once it's assessed safe, your attending specialist/team will remove the chest drainage tubes and temporary pacing wires in the days following surgery. You'll work with cardiac rehab and potentially physical and occupational therapists to improve your strength and mobility during your stay.

How to Plan a Medical Trip to India for Open Heart Surgery?

Traveling for your treatment may seem confusing at first. But, by following a few simple steps, you can conveniently travel to India for treatment. Your medical travel journey with MediGence would entail the given steps:

• Submit your inquiry to our team
• Our medical team will thoroughly review your case and discuss the medical opinion with you
• Based on your inquiry, we will prepare a few treatment recommendations
• We can help you in choosing the best option as per your needs and preferences
• After you decide on your treatment, our team will start with your travel arrangements like visa, accommodation, and priority appointment.
• You will be assigned a case manager who will be in touch with you throughout your treatment for any assistance.
• Our care team will also provide support after treatment for faster recovery

You Should be Allowed to Return Home Once You've Completed the Following Activities:

• Have stable blood pressure, heart rate, and rhythm
• Can safely walk
• Have adequate pain management
• Oxygen mask is no longer required
• There are no signs of infection around the surgical site

Following surgery, your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to check your recovery and may also recommend some routine tests to keep a check on the cardiac status and condition. These tests may include blood work-up, Echo, ECG, and other tests.

We propose that you undergo cardiac rehabilitation as part of your treatment to regain your strength. This medically supervised program provides additional assistance, knowledge, and coaching to help you get back on track.

The recovery from open-heart surgery is always slow but steady. It could take up to six weeks before one begins to feel better, and it could take up to six months for the surgery to fully benefit one. The following activities can help to maintain one's heart healthy:

• Having a well-balanced diet
• High-salt, high-fat, and high-sugar foods should be avoided.
• Changing one's lifestyle to one that is more active
• Smoking cessation
• Managing high blood pressure and cholesterol

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