Medically reviewed by Dr Rohan J Harsoda – MBBS, DNB(General Surgery)
Are you considering Open Heart Surgery and wondering about the cost? Look no further than India, where medical tourism has become increasingly popular due to its affordability. The heart operation cost in India is significantly lower compared to European countries, with savings of 10 to 15 times. In government hospitals, the expenses range from Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 ($908 – $1250), making it an incredibly cost-effective option.
Among all the innovative treatments, Open Heart Surgery in India stands out, offering numerous advantages over traditional bypass surgery. The overall expenses of this procedure encompass hospital stays, surgeon fees, pre, and post-operative care, as well as necessary medications. In this blog, we delve into the world of Open Heart Surgery, exploring its intricacies, benefits, and, most importantly, the cost associated with this life-saving procedure. Without waiting further, let’s dive in.
What is Open Heart Surgery?
Open heart surgery, also known as a thoracotomy, is a surgical procedure that involves making a wide incision in the patient’s chest to access and work on the heart’s muscles, valves, or arteries. Its primary objective is to repair damaged areas of the heart, replace faulty components, or implant devices to ensure the heart functions properly.
True to its name, open-heart surgery involves carefully expanding and opening the rib cage to gain access to the blocked or damaged arteries and veins. The duration of the surgery varies depending on the level of blockage present in the heart, ranging up to approximately 6 hours. The more severe the blockage, the longer the procedure typically takes. By undertaking open-heart surgery, medical professionals can help patients regain a healthier heart and improve their overall well-being.
Why is Open Heart Surgery Required?
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Valve Diseases
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections
- Heart Transplantation
Open heart surgery may be required for individuals with coronary artery disease, a condition that affects the blood vessels supplying the heart. By performing open heart surgery, surgeons can bypass or widen narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle and reducing the risk of a heart attack.
In cases of valve diseases, such as aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation, open heart surgery becomes necessary. Surgeons can repair or replace damaged heart valves during the procedure, allowing for improved blood flow and preventing complications like heart failure.
Certain congenital heart defects, which are present from birth, may require open heart surgery for correction. Surgeons can repair structural abnormalities, close holes in the heart, or reroute blood vessels to ensure proper circulation and prevent long-term complications.
When the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart, weakens or develops an abnormal bulge (aneurysm) or tear (dissection), open heart surgery may be necessary. Surgeons can replace the affected portion of the aorta to prevent rupture or restore proper blood flow.
For individuals with end-stage heart failure, open heart surgery is required to perform a heart transplant. This procedure involves removing the diseased heart and replacing it with a healthy donor heart, offering a life-saving option for those whose heart function is severely compromised.
What Are the Types of Open Heart Surgery?
In response to the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related conditions and diseases in India, the medical community has witnessed a surge in the number of open heart surgeries performed annually, with over 60,000 procedures taking place across the nation. Let’s explore some of the commonly performed types of open heart surgeries in India:
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG):Among the most frequently conducted heart surgeries, CABG involves the replacement of a damaged heart artery or vein. This procedure entails utilizing an artery or vein from another part of the body to establish a new pathway for blood flow, bypassing the blocked artery and restoring adequate circulation.
- Heart Valve Replacement or Repair:This surgical intervention focuses on repairing or substituting a defective heart valve with an artificial valve. It can be performed through either an open-heart procedure or by inserting a catheter. By rectifying faulty valves, the surgery aims to restore normal blood flow and optimize cardiac function.
- Implantation of Pacemaker or Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD):To address irregular heart rhythms or arrhythmias, medical professionals may prescribe medications or opt for an implantation procedure. Pacemakers or ICDs are employed in these cases and are inserted beneath the chest. These devices utilize electrical sensors and shocks to regulate and stabilize the heart’s rhythm, thereby promoting normal cardiac function.
- Heart Transplant:In cases of severe heart failure resulting from coronary artery diseases, medication alone may prove ineffective. Consequently, surgeons may undertake a heart transplant, replacing the diseased heart with a healthy heart graciously donated by a deceased individual. This procedure offers a potential cure and a chance at an improved quality of life for those with advanced cardiac conditions.
- Pericardiectomy: Considered a critical open-heart surgery, pericardiectomy entails the removal of the pericardium, the membrane surrounding the heart. This procedure aims to alleviate stiffness and enhance the heart chambers’ ability to properly fill with blood, thereby promoting improved cardiac function.
- Surgery to Place Ventricular Assist Devices or Total Artificial Hearts: When individuals are ineligible for a heart transplant, they may undergo a surgical procedure to implant ventricular assist devices or total artificial hearts. These devices serve as long-term solutions for individuals with malfunctioning heart ventricles, providing vital mechanical support and ensuring adequate blood circulation.
What is the cost of an open heart surgery in India?
The cost of open heart surgery in India can vary based on several factors, such as the specific hospital and its location, the type of procedure needed, the fees charged by the surgeon, and the overall health condition of the patient. It’s crucial to have a general understanding of the potential costs involved when considering open heart surgery in India.
Let’s explore the approximate costs for different types of procedures:
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): If you require CABG, the cost can range from ₹2,50,000 to ₹6,00,000 or more. This range takes into account various factors that contribute to the overall expense.
- Valve Replacement: When it comes to valve replacement or repair, different factors come into play. For mechanical valve replacement, the cost typically ranges from ₹2,50,000 to ₹5,00,000 or more. On the other hand, if you opt for a biological valve replacement, the cost can range from ₹3,00,000 to ₹6,00,000 or more. Valve repair procedures generally fall within the range of ₹2,00,000 to ₹5,00,000 or more.
- Other Procedures: If you require aortic aneurysm repair, the cost can range from ₹3,00,000 to ₹6,00,000 or more. Similarly, repairing an atrial septal defect (ASD) or ventricular septal defect (VSD) can cost anywhere from ₹2,00,000 to ₹5,00,000 or more.
To obtain precise and up-to-date information about the cost of open heart surgery and the services included in the package, it is advisable to consult with hospitals or healthcare providers in India. They can provide you with detailed information tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
Final Thoughts
Open heart surgery is a complex and life-changing procedure that requires a team of skilled medical professionals to perform. The cost can vary depending on various factors such as the location, type of surgery, and insurance coverage. However, it’s important to remember that one’s health should always come first. To make the process smoother and more efficient, consider storing all your medical records online with Health-e. By doing so, you’ll have access to all your medical history in one place and you’ll be able to share it with healthcare providers easily, saving you time and resources. So take control of your health today by dowloanding Health-e!
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