Cost of Valve Replacement Surgery in India

Valve Replacement

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.

Types of Valve Replacement

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.

Symptoms That May Lead to Valve Replacement

When a heart valve doesn't function properly, it can cause:

• Shortness of breath (especially during activity)
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fatigue (feeling very tired)
• Swollen legs, feet, or ankles
• Dizziness or fainting
• Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

Causes of Valve Problems

Congenital heart defects, aging, infections, and heart conditions can all lead to valve problems.

Risk Factors

• Age: Older people are more likely to need valve replacement.
• Infections: History of conditions like rheumatic fever increases the risk.
• Heart conditions: People with other heart diseases are at higher risk.
• Lifestyle: Smoking, high blood pressure, and poor diet can increase the risk of valve problems.

Preparation for Valve Replacement Surgery

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.

The Procedure

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.

Post-Procedure Care

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.

Risks of Valve Replacement Surgery

While it’s a common and generally successful surgery, risks include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Valve failure over time (especially with biological valves)

Success Rate

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.