Cardiac Valve Replacement (AVR/MVR) in Hungary

Atrial and mitral are the two main valves in the human heart. These valves have a special function to control or regulate the blood flow in the heart.

Atrial valve replacement and mitral valve replacement are required because of a defect in the functioning of these valves. When the valves do not open or close properly, it affects the flow of blood through the heart.

The defect may arise because of many reasons. But the two main reasons are as follows:

Narrowing of the valve (Stenosis)
Leakage in the valve leading to backflow of the blood (Regurgitation)

The decision to conduct valve replacement depends on the clinical status of the patients as per diagnostic reports and clinical symptoms. Sometimes, the patient is a candidate for aortic valve repair or mitral valve repair and does not require replacement of the valve. Therefore, the decision is made after the physical assessment and evaluation of the patient.

Factors Affecting the Cost of AVR and MVR

The following factors affect AVR cost and MVR cost:

The type of valve used - prosthetic/mechanical or biological/bovine
Experience of the surgeon
Type of hospital or clinic
Hospital charges
Room category selected
Type of investigations done
Duration of hospital stay
Any unforeseen complications
Medicines and consumables used
Ventilator use

Treatment and Cost

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20 Days Outside Hospital

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About the Cardiac Valve Replacement

Heart valve diseases occur due to improper functioning of the valves. Sometimes a valve does not open or does not close proper. In this condition, the blood does not flow properly and requires valve replacement. The important valves present in human body are aortic valve, mitral valve, tricuspid valve and pulmonary valve. If a valve cannot be repaired, then a heart valve replacement surgery is performed.

Heart valve replacement surgery is the replacement of heart valves with artificial valves or bioprosthesis. It is an alternative treatment to valve repair.

Valve replacement includes four procedures:

Aortic valve replacement (AVR)
Mitral valve replacement (MVR)
Tricuspid valve replacement (TVR)
Pulmonary valve replacement (PVR)

The aortic valve and the mitral valve replacements are the most common. Pulmonary and tricuspid valve replacements are uncommon in adults.

Aortic valve replacement (AVR)

It is a procedure in which a diseased aortic valve is replaced with an artificial heart valve. Many diseases affect the aortic valve; the valve can either become leaky or partially blocked. Recent aortic valve replacement procedures include open-heart surgery via a sternotomy, minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

How is Cardiac Valve Replacement performed?

Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR)

Surgical procedure- In Aortic valve replacement the incision is made by cutting through the sternum. After the pericardium is opened, the patient is put on a cardiopulmonary bypass machine, which is also known as the heart-lung machine. This machine performs the task of breathing for the patient and pumping their blood around while the surgeon replaces the heart valve.

The surgeon makes a cut in the aorta when the patient is on bypass and applies a crossclamp. The patient's diseased aortic valve is removed and is replaced by a mechanical or tissue valve. After the placement of artificial valve and closing the aorta, the heart-lung machine is taken off from the patient. A transesophageal echocardiogram helps to confirm whether the new valve is functioning properly.

Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR)

Surgical procedure- General anaesthesia is given to the patient before mitral valve replacement. Incision is made horizontally under the left breast, or vertically through the sternum. After exposing the heart, cannula is placed and blood is directed to the heart-lung machine for cardiopulmonary bypass. The mitral valve is exposed by creating an incision in the left atrium. Then the valve is replaced. Left atrium is closed and cardiopulmonary bypass is removed. The patient is taken to an intensive care unit after the surgery.

Recovery from Cardiac Valve Replacement

Postoperative complications and risks-

The most common complication after mitral valve replacement is atrial fibrillation. The other complications are bleeding and infection.

Benefits of heart valve replacement-

The patient can engage in his or her normal activities again. The replaced new valve will help the heart to function more efficiently.

Risks associated with heart valve replacement-

Blood clot formation can occur after surgery. These clots move to the lungs and cause shortness of breath and chest pain. Arrhythmias or abnormal heart beats can happen after surgery.

Follow up care-

Regular check-ups from a heart specialist is required after the surgery. The patient is instructed good diet and regular exercise in the follow up appointments.

Pros and cons of mechanical valves used in replacement

Pro’s of mechanical valves-

Less reoperation rates
Lasts for lifetime
Better survival rates

Con’s of mechanical valves-

Changes in doses of anticoagulant medication
Sleep disturbance due to noise of mechanical valve
Fluctuations in INR value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health care infrastructure of Hungary / Why should opt for Hungary as a destination for your medical treatment?

Hungary is well-known for the broad range of treatments implemented for treating one or diverse types of diseases. The healthcare facilities in Hungary focuses on overall care and thus, attends to both physiological and psychological care. To keep at par with the other developed countries in the world, Hungary focuses in upgrading and constantly keeps room for including modern amenities. Therefore, the candidates availing treatments in Hungary are treated thoroughly with modern techniques, assisted by skilled professionals which makes opting Hungary one of the most wise decisions.

What are the conditions of the hospitals in Hungary? Are they JCI certified. What is the quality of the support staff in the hospitals?

The hospital in Hungary are furnished with cutting edge technology and robotic machineries which are the newest addition to the medical field. From diagnosis to providing necessary treatment, the hospitals are ideally planned to provide all-round care to every individual requiring medical assistance. One of the most important aspect of availing treatments in Hungary is the candidate interaction of the support staffs. Not only the doctors, surgeons, but also the support individuals are extremely well- educated with the modern devices, and are capable of dealing with every kind of situation and thereby has great contribution to the high success rates.

Are the doctors/surgeons in Hungary of the best quality?

The doctors and surgeons are well- versed with the modern advancements and are duly trained to operate robotic technology gracing the medical science. They are also professionally trained to embrace future advancements which guarantees completely advanced mode of treatment to the visiting individuals. The treatment thus offered are world-class as specific care is taken to minimize side effects and further risks in fatal conditions.

What is the process for obtaining medical visa in Hungary?

To avail a medical visa before travelling to Hungary, the candidate must thoroughly go through the procedure mentioned on the government website of the country. The procedure should be stepwise followed and the mentioned/ required documents should be kept ready for producing, as and when required. The necessary requirements for the same are:

Two passport size photographs of the candidate
Valid passport (both original and photocopy) which should not have an expiry date within three months of scheduled visit.
Duly filled copy of visa application form
Paid receipt for the visa application fee
Medical insurance and travel insurance documents which guarantees financial credibility
Civil status proof of the candidate
Employment status, if any, or clear mentioning of the status of the candidate
Accommodation documents, may it be hotels, rental or staying with an acquaintance, should be clearly mentioned.
In case the candidate is a minor, consent letter from the guardians or parents need to be provided
Medical certificate duly signed by the registered medical practitioner as well as acceptance letter by the doctor referred to
Additional documents like birth certificate, residential proofs, etc., may also be required.

What support services does MediGence provide in Hungary?

The support services provided by MediGence ensures seamless medical travelling experience in Hungary. Right from the beginning of the journey to the end, MediGence assists the candidates and the family with utmost care thereby making the stay as comfortable as it can be. Hence, here is a list of services provided for candidate satisfaction:

Travel insurance guidance
Medical insurance query related support
Visa Assistance
Free Airport to Hospital Transfer
On-Ground Support
Teleconsultations
Accommodation Assistance
Rehabilitation and recovery services

Which are the best cities in Hungary for medical treatment?

Hungary is thriving and blooming with metropolitan cities which have excelled in terms of hospitals and clinics thereby providing excellent medical facilities. The treatments in Hungary are world-class and have scored high success rates, which is why, a huge number of medical tourists flock to the country to avail treatments for minor to major diseases and anomalies. Hence, here are some of the best cities that house some of the best hospitals in Hungary:

Budapest
Pecs
Szeged
Debrecen
Miskolc