The cost of valve replacement surgery in India varies depending on several factors such as the type of valve (mechanical or biological), the hospital, the location, and the specific health condition of the patient. Here's a general breakdown:
Mechanical Valve: Usually costs more upfront but lasts longer. Follow-up costs (for medication like blood thinners) can add up over time.
Biological Valve (Tissue Valve): Less expensive but may need to be replaced after 10-15 years.
In Public or Government Hospitals: ₹1.5 to ₹3.5 lakhs (around $2,000 to $4,500 USD).
In Private Hospitals: ₹3.5 to ₹7 lakhs (approximately $4,500 to $9,500 USD).
Top-tier Private Hospitals: ₹7 to ₹12 lakhs (around $9,500 to $15,000 USD), especially in metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore.
Pre-operative diagnostics and tests: ₹30,000 to ₹50,000.
Post-surgery care, medication, and follow-up consultations: ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000.
Hospital stay (ICU, room charges) may add to the total cost depending on the length of stay.
Valve replacement is a type of heart surgery where a damaged heart valve is replaced with a new one. Heart valves control the flow of blood through the heart's chambers, and when they don’t work properly, it can lead to serious heart problems.
Mechanical Valve: Made from durable materials like metal or carbon. Lasts a lifetime but requires lifelong use of blood-thinning medication to prevent blood clots.
Biological (Tissue) Valve: Made from animal tissues (such as cow or pig) or donated human heart tissue. Does not last as long (10-20 years) but usually doesn't require long-term blood-thinning medications.
When a heart valve doesn't function properly, it can cause:
Congenital heart defects, aging, infections, and heart conditions can all lead to valve problems.
Medical Evaluation: The doctor will assess your overall health, including tests like an echocardiogram, chest X-ray, and blood tests.
Medication Adjustments: You may need to stop certain medications before surgery (like blood thinners).
Fasting: You will likely be asked not to eat or drink anything the night before surgery.
Hospital Stay: You will need to stay in the hospital for a few days.
Anesthesia: You will be under general anesthesia (completely asleep).
Incision: The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart. In some cases, smaller incisions (minimally invasive surgery) can be used.
Replacing the Valve: The surgeon removes the damaged valve and replaces it with a mechanical or biological valve.
Heart-lung Machine: During surgery, a machine may take over the heart's function to keep blood flowing.
Closing the Incision: After the new valve is in place, the incision is closed, and you are taken to the recovery area.
Hospital Recovery: You’ll stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for a day or two, and then in a regular hospital room for a few more days.
Monitoring: Your heart, blood pressure, and breathing will be closely monitored.
Medication: You might need medications to prevent infection or control your heart rate. If you have a mechanical valve, you'll be on blood thinners for life.
Physical Activity: Gradually, you’ll be encouraged to start moving, walking, and doing light exercises.
Follow-up Care: Regular doctor visits and check-ups are necessary to monitor how well the new valve is working.
While it’s a common and generally successful surgery, risks include:
Mechanical Valves: Typically last a lifetime, with high success rates. About 95% of people have a successful outcome and live longer lives with improved symptoms.
Biological Valves: Success rates are also high, but these valves may need to be replaced after 10-20 years.
Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart's valves don’t work properly. Valves may become too narrow (stenosis) or too leaky (regurgitation), causing blood to flow improperly through the heart.
Valve replacement surgery is typically recommended when:
Valve repair involves fixing the patient's existing valve. It is usually less invasive and often preferred if possible. Valve replacement involves removing the damaged valve and replacing it with a mechanical or biological (tissue) valve when the valve cannot be repaired.
The surgery usually lasts between 2-4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and whether the surgery is minimally invasive or requires open-heart surgery.
Recovery in the hospital typically lasts about 5-7 days. Full recovery at home can take 6-12 weeks, depending on the patient's overall health.