Closed Heart Surgery in South Korea: Costs, Doctors, and Hospitals

About the Closed Heart Surgery

A heart surgery is typically required for the correction of a defect in the heart. While most of the major defects are treated with the help of open heart surgery, the minor ones can be corrected with the help of closed heart surgery.

A closed heart surgery procedure is performed on patients with minor heart defects. In most of the cases, this approach is used on pediatric patients. A majority of closed heart surgery procedures may involve the major blood vessels that carry blood to the heart and other parts of the body. Some of the examples of procedure performed using closed heart surgery approach include placement of a Blalock-Taussig shunt or pulmonary artery bands and repair of coarctation of the aorta.

Difference between open heart and close heart surgery

The main difference between a closed heart surgery and an open heart surgery is that the former does not require the support of a heart-lung bypass machine during the surgery. That is, a closed heart surgery can be performed on a beating heart, whereas an open heart surgery is performed on a non-beating heart.

Additionally, there is no need for the surgeons to open the chest to access the heart in the case of closed heart surgery. The heart can be accessed through a small hole in the chest (sternotomy) or in the side between the ribs (thoracotomy).

How is Closed Heart Surgery performed?

The exact steps performed during a closed heart surgery actually depends on the type of procedure being conducted and the approach used to access the heart. The following are some of the major steps taken during closed heart surgery:

General anaesthesia is administered to put you into a deep sleep. This is done so that you remain unconscious during the surgery and do not experience any pain and discomfort.
Since a closed heart surgery is performed on a non-beating heart, the surgeon directly makes an incision or a hole in the chest or the side of the ribs to access the heart.
The surgeon then takes specific actions to perform the corrective surgery for the ailment that the patient is suffering from.
The incision or hole made to access the heart is closed as soon as the surgery is completed.

Closed heart surgery is not always performed as a corrective surgery. Sometimes, it may be performed as a palliative surgery as well. A palliative heart surgery is the one that is conducted to target the problems caused due to a heart defect rather than the defect itself. It is mostly performed when a series of surgeries are scheduled to be conducted for the correction of the heart defect such as a hole in the heart and ventricular septal defect.

Recovery from Closed Heart Surgery

Recovery after closed heart surgery depends on how well the surgery has been conducted and also on the overall health of the patient. Since closed heart surgery is conducted for the correction of minor heart defects, the overall recovery is good.

In case it is performed as a corrective surgery, the patient is typically discharged from the hospital within a day or two. In case closed heart surgery is performed as a palliative surgery, recovery may take some time and the patient may be kept in the hospital until other planned surgeries are conducted.

Careful monitoring in the intensive care unit (ICU) is required in some cases. The patient is administered pain control medications through an IV line is required. Complete recovery in case of a closed heart surgery may last for a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

South Korea is recognized for its strict rules and regulations which have kept the country in strict discipline. As an upside, the country has well-maintained regulations for every process and impressive medical healthcare facilities which have garnered thousands of visitors from across the world. The reason for opting for hospitals in South Korea is the astounding treatment options available at a very cost-effective price range, which is undoubtedly more affordable than most of the developed countries across the world. Besides the well-planned infrastructure, the treatment in South Korea and the alternatives offered are tempting enough. Apart from that, the country also flaunts high success rates and has thus been able to cure some of the most complex diseases in the world.

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

The Joint Commission International (JCI) is a global leader in health care accreditation. JCI accreditation is considered a gold standard in worldwide health care. It provides the most skilled and experienced healthcare professionals in the medical industry, as evaluators of the rigorous international standards in healthcare quality and patient safety. YUHS Severance Hospital + Gangnam Severance Hospital is a JCI certified hospital in South Korea.

Are the doctors/surgeons in South Korea of the best quality?

The doctors and surgeons providing treatments in South Korea are globally recognized for their service in the medical field. Furnished with degrees from reputed universities and decades of training and experience, the doctors have earned high success rates throughout their professional careers. The doctors have to undergo rigorous training to keep up with the strict protocol and measures of hospitals in South Korea. Hence, quality is maintained.

What is the process for obtaining a medical visa in South Korea?

The Korean embassy follows a strict protocol for obtaining a visa for traveling to the country. The necessary documents (photocopies and original) have been listed on their official website and should be strictly adhered to. The candidate also has to produce necessary papers stating the medical cause and referral certificate signed by the registered medical practitioner. Although these need to be taken care of by the candidate, the rest of the procedures and further visa assistance is managed by the sponsors in most cases. A Medical Dependent Visa is granted to those who are accompanying a patient traveling to Sount Korea for medical treatment on a Medical Visa. This visa can be given to a close relative/family member or a friend of the patient. Please note that relevant letters/documents explaining details of the treatment, signed and stamped by the concerned hospitals/doctors, a declaration from the patient or an immediate family member is also required confirming the escort travel along with the patient.

What support services does MediGence provide in South Korea?

MediGence enables you to plan and manage your medical decisions better. These are some of our services offered:

Expert Opinion
We help you seek an Expert Opinion on your diagnosis and treatment from an experienced team of doctors at MediGence and specialists from a reputable hospital.
Hospital Recommendation
We recommend a hospital or a healthcare institution that is best suited for you, based on your ailment and its criticality.
360-degree Hospital Review
We give you a transparent and holistic view of the hospital and its infrastructure, accreditation, facilities, and expertise to give you confidence.
Doctor Validation and Communication
We share a comprehensive profile of the treating doctor and also arrange a call to clear queries regarding treatment if needed.
Options to Choose From
Based on your choice of destination and other preferences, we provide you multiple options with respect to hospitals and doctors to choose from.
24X7 Patient Care Support
A dedicated patient case manager stays in constant touch with you to help you at every step of the decision-making process and resolve queries that you may have.
Transparent Treatment Cost and Other Expenses
We give a clear and accurate indication of the total cost of treatment including treatment, stay, meals, and other expenses.
Visa Assistance
We provide and help prepare documentation for visa approval and coordinate with the embassy to expedite the visa process.
Accommodation Arrangements
We propose to you a choice of accommodation based on your preference such as long stay, short stay, or luxury properties.

Which are the best cities in South Korea for medical treatment?

Treatment in South Korea is affordable. Seoul is the capital of South Korea and one of the main cities for healthcare. Seoul and Daegu have some of the best hospitals in South Korea. Busan, Incheon, and Ulsan also have developing healthcare facilities.

Closed Heart Surgery in South Korea

Treatment and Cost