Heart Double Valve Replacement Cost in India

A. The average cost of heart double valve replacement surgery in India starts at $9,500. Undoubtedly India offers the most efficient and pocket-friendly treatment for heart valve surgery in comparison to other Western countries. The point that is worth mentioning is that the cost can vary as per the diagnosis, condition of the patients, the hospital you have chosen, types of rooms along with the facility availed, and expertise of the surgeon.

A. Two heart valves that have suffered significant damage or malfunction are replaced during double valve replacement surgery. When less intrusive treatments are insufficient and the heart valves are either stenotic (narrowed) or regurgitant (leaking) to the point that they no longer function effectively, this operation is usually carried out.

A. The following two types of valves are used in India for heart valve replacement surgery:

• Prosthetic or Mechanical Valve: It is also known as an artificial or mechanical valve. Mechanical valves are most commonly made of pyrolytic carbon. They are expected to last longer than biological valve and there is less risk of another surgery after a few years because it does not wear out that fast. There is a greater need for using blood-thinners in the case of mechanical valves.
• Tissue or Biological Valve: It is also known as a biological, bovine valve, or bioprosthetic valve. This type of valve is derived from a pig’s heart and the sac around a cow’s heart. It costs more than a mechanical valve. Patients who get a biological valve have less need to take blood-thinning medicines and are able to recover faster as far as the valve’s functioning is concerned.

A. This surgery is usually required because of serious issues with the heart valves that affect how well they can control blood flow. The following typical circumstances and causes for double valve replacement are listed:

1. Aortic valve stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve that makes the heart work harder by preventing blood from leaving the left ventricle and flowing into the aorta.
2. The narrowing of the mitral valve, known as mitral valve stenosis, prevents blood from flowing from the left atrium into the left ventricle.
3. Aortic Valve Regurgitation: When the aortic valve malfunctions, blood leaks back into the left ventricle from the aorta.
4. Mitral Valve Regurgitation: When the mitral valve malfunctions, blood leaks backward from the left ventricle into the left atrium.
5. Conditions that cause significant damage to both the mitral and aortic valves are referred to as aortic and mitral valve diseases. This combination is frequently observed in degenerative diseases or rheumatic fever, and both valve replacement may be necessary at the same time.
6. Untreated streptococcal infections, such as strep throat, can induce rheumatic fever, which can lead to chronic damage to numerous heart valves and ultimately culminate in combined aortic and mitral valve disease.
7. Changes Related to Age: Heart valves can become severely stenotic or regurgitate in several valves as a result of calcification or other degenerative processes that occur as individuals age.
8. Birth abnormalities: Congenital cardiac abnormalities that involve many valves might afflict certain people from birth. In some situations, replacing both valves may be necessary to fix the abnormalities and have the heart functioning normally again.

A. To determine the severity and effect of valve failure on heart health, a thorough evaluation is necessary when diagnosing problems that may require a double valve replacement. This is a thorough rundown of the diagnostic procedure:

• History of the patient: A thorough medical history that includes any symptoms like exhaustion, palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness is the first step in the procedure. It's also critical to include details regarding previous infections or rheumatic fever, family history of heart disease, and past medical issues.
• Heart Sounds: As part of a physical examination, a stethoscope is used to listen to the heart to listen for any abnormal heart sounds or murmurs that could be signs of valve dysfunction.
• Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): Offers a more lucid image of the atria and heart valves. It's frequently employed when comprehensive imaging is required or when TTE results are unclear.
• The main test for evaluating heart valve function, chamber diameters, and general heart anatomy is the transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). It aids in the diagnosis of regurgitation and valve stenosis as well as the evaluation of the effects on heart function.
• An electrocardiogram, often known as an EKG or ECG, is a diagnostic tool used to record cardiac electrical activity. It can identify valve disease-related electrical anomalies such as arrhythmias and atrial enlargement.
• Chest X-ray: Used to evaluate general heart function, see the size and form of the heart, and find fluid in the lungs (pulmonary congestion).
• A catheter is inserted into blood vessels and threaded into the heart during a cardiac catheterization procedure to measure pressures within the chambers of the heart, examine the coronary arteries, and determine the extent of valve dysfunction.
• A cardiac MRI or CT scan can be used to evaluate the structure, function, and any related problems of the heart by providing precise images of its anatomy.

A. Either open heart surgery or, less frequently, minimally invasive methods can be used to do the procedure. Here's a thorough rundown of the normal procedure for replacing a double valve:

• Preoperative Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation of the patient's general health, cardiac function, and fitness for the procedure is done before the surgery. This includes blood testing, imaging investigations, and perhaps preoperative drugs or therapies.
• Incision:
• Open Cardiovascular Surgery: A median sternotomy, or opening of the chest through an incision down the middle of the sternum (breastbone), is the most commonly used technique.
• Minimally invasive surgery: Depending on the patient's condition and the surgeon's experience, a thoracotomy (side chest incision) or a smaller incision may be utilized in some situations.
• Heart-Lung Machine: During the treatment, the heart and lungs are replaced with a cardiopulmonary bypass machine, also known as a heart-lung machine. Blood is extracted from the heart and fed into the machine to undergo oxygenation before being reintroduced into the body.
• The two diseased heart valves are gently removed by the surgeon.
• The heart returns to normal function and the heart-lung machine is gradually removed once the new valves are in place.
• Closing the Chest: The chest cavity is closed once the heart's health has been verified. The incision on the chest is stapled or sutured shut, and the sternum is wired back together.
• Immediately following surgery, the patient is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close observation.

A. After double valve replacement surgery, there are multiple phases of rehabilitation, from immediate postoperative care to long-term follow-up. Below is a detailed summary of what patients should normally anticipate:

1. Observing: Depending on their condition and the intricacy of the surgery, patients are under close observation in the intensive care unit for one to two days. This entails keeping an eye on respiration, blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital indicators.
2. Wound Care: Surgical incisions, whether from a minimally invasive procedure or a sternotomy, are taken care of. Physicians and nurses keep an eye out for any indications of infection or other issues.
3. Regular examinations, like blood tests and imaging scans, are carried out to track heart health, valve functioning, and general function. ECGs are frequently performed to evaluate how well the replacement valves are working.
4. Anticoagulants: To avoid blood clot development, patients undergoing mechanical valve replacements must take anticoagulant drugs, often known as blood thinners. It will be necessary to regularly check blood clotting levels (INR).
5. Diet: It is advised to follow a heart-healthy diet reduced in cholesterol, saturated fats, and sodium.
6. Exercise: As long as it fits with your stage of recovery, regular, moderate exercise is recommended to support cardiovascular health.

A. Although double valve replacement surgery is frequently required to treat severe valve malfunction, there are advantages and disadvantages to this procedure. Comprehending these can aid patients in making knowledgeable decisions regarding their course of care. Here is a thorough analysis of the advantages and possible risks:

Benefits:

• Enhanced Blood Flow: By replacing damaged valves, the heart's ability to pump blood normally can be restored, which will improve heart health generally and lessen symptoms like exhaustion, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
• Reduced Heart Failure Symptoms: The procedure can improve quality of life and reduce heart failure symptoms by treating valve failure.
• Quality of Life: A higher quality of life is attained by many patients who receive substantial relief from symptoms like edema, dizziness, and dyspnea (shortness of breath).
• Enhanced Activity: Following healing, patients frequently discover they can resume regular activities and exercise more comfortably, which improves their general well-being.

Risks:

• Infection: Endocarditis (valve infection) and other infections at the location of the incision or inside the heart are possible.
• Bleeding: Bleeding after surgery is possible and may call for further care or blood transfusions.
• Blood Clots: A blood clot has the potential to form and cause a pulmonary embolism or stroke. Anticoagulant medication is necessary for mechanical valves, which are especially linked to this risk.
• Heart Failure: While uncommon, some patients may have heart failure or deteriorating heart function following surgery.
• Arrhythmias: Abnormal heartbeats may occur, sometimes requiring additional care or medicine.
• Problems Particular to Mechanical Valves: These devices may need lifetime anticoagulant medication due to the possibility of valve thrombosis, or the production of clots. Bioprosthetic valves could eventually need to be replaced due to deterioration.
• Endocarditis: Patients who have predisposing factors are particularly at risk for endocarditis.

A. According to one study, following a surgical aortic valve replacement, patients deemed low-risk lived anywhere from six to sixteen years. Those between the ages of 60 and 64 survived longer, whereas those above 85 had shorter survival spans.

A. Following double valve replacement surgery, long-term care is essential for maximizing outcomes, preserving cardiac health, and reducing risks. The following are the main factors for long-term care:

1. Anticoagulants: Lifelong anticoagulant medication is usually necessary to prevent blood clots if mechanical valves are utilized. It is essential to regularly check blood clotting levels (INR) to modify medicine dosages and prevent problems.
2. Visits by Cardiologists: Scheduling routine follow-up consultations with a cardiologist is crucial for evaluating heart health, tracking valve performance, and making necessary modifications to treatment regimens.
3. Imaging and Testing: To assess the performance of the replacement valves and look for any potential issues, periodic echocardiograms or other imaging investigations may be carried out.
4. Exercise: Moderate exercise frequently is crucial for cardiovascular health. Patients should heed the advice of their healthcare professional about the kind and level of exercise.
5. Weight control: Retaining a healthy weight lowers the chance of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which can harm the heart.
6. Stay away from Smoking: Giving up smoking is essential for heart health and general rehabilitation. Steer clear of tobacco products to help avoid cardiovascular issues.
7. Limiting Alcohol: It's crucial to moderate alcohol use because too much alcohol can interfere with prescription drugs and harm heart health.

A. While any minor problems do not affect that much and do not ask for surgery but mild ones need treatment with the help of heart valve repair surgery. Majority of people are living their life normally after having heart valve replacement surgery in India. The high success rate of procedure performed in India shows how successfully a patient is able to recover after the surgery.

After the surgery, the patient is usually advised to take a few medications for a few weeks. It should be noted that the duration of the medication could be reduced or lifted altogether depending on the condition and status of recovery of the patients. The patients should visit the doctor according to the schedule of follow up. During follow up visit, the doctor may perform a few tests to check for the healing of the tissue and then he would observe the functioning of the new valve. The recommended hospitals in India ensure a speedy recovery process by helping patients to return back to their normal routine.

A. In the past few decades, India has seen remarkable growth in the healthcare industry and boasts a volume of its excellent maintained healthcare providers who are renowned for carrying out the procedure of heart valve replacement surgery with brilliance. Here is the list of some recommended hospitals in India for surgery:

• Fortis Hospitals Mulund, Mumbai
• Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla, Delhi
• Sarvodaya Hospitals And Research Center, Faridabad
• BGS Global Hospitals, Bangalore
• Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, New Delhi
• Wockhardt Hospital - A New Age Hospital, Mumbai
• BLK Super Specialty Hospitals, New Delhi
• Sevenhills Hospitals, Mumbai

A. India has a pool of qualified cardiac surgeons, working across some of the trusted hospitals in India. Having been trained in top medical institutes in India and abroad, Cardiologists in India hold thorough knowledge in cardiology and cardiac science. See the top Cardiologist in India for heart double valve replacement surgery:

1. Dr. Vivek Jawali
2. Dr. Ashok Seth
3. Dr. Sandeep Attawar

A. Heart double valve replacement surgery cost in India depends on several factors. Some of these factors include the following:

• Type of hospital – Primary, secondary, or tertiary care hospital
• Location of the hospitalization
• Choice of the city – first, second, or third tier
• Experience, qualifications, and skills of the surgeon
• Type of valve used – artificial or tissue valve
• Number of valves used – aortic or mitral or both
• Cost of evaluation – angiography (CAG), 2D Echo, and other blood investigations

Heart valve replacement surgery cost in India

• Single valve replacement (prosthetic/tissue): $7000 to $9500
• Double valve replacement (prosthetic/tissue): $10000 to $13500