Aortic Valve Replacement Cost in India

The 5-year survival rate for aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery is 94%. This means 94 out of 100 people who underwent AVR surgery could live at least 5 years.

Survival rates for heart valve replacement surgery are often used as predictors of how long patients can live beyond a certain number of years (5 years, 10 years) after the surgery. However, these may vary for you depending on your age, your overall health, and the current status of your heart function.

Reference:
https://www.medicinenet.com/survival_rate_of_heart_valve_replacement_surgery/article.htm ​

Aortic valve replacement is a serious procedure with potentially catastrophic complications. The chance of dying as a result of the procedure is believed to be between 1 and 2 percent. However, this risk is much smaller than the risk of not treating severe aortic disease.

Many factors influence whether an aortic valve should be repaired or replaced, including:

• Your aortic valve disease's severity
• Your general health and age
• Whether you require further heart surgery, such as heart bypass surgery to treat coronary artery disease, in addition to aortic valve disease, so that both conditions can be addressed at the same time.

In general, heart valve repair is preferred over valve replacement because it lowers the risk of infection, retains valve strength and function, and eliminates the need for lifelong blood-thinning drugs, which may be required with some forms of valve replacement. Depending on the severity of the illness, patients with a hole in the valve's closing flaps (perforated valve leaflet) may be candidates for aortic valve repair rather than replacement.

Most valves, on the other hand, cannot be repaired, and heart valve repair surgery is generally more difficult than valve replacement surgery. Your best decision will be determined by your unique circumstances as well as the knowledge and experience of your medical team.

Choosing between a mechanical and tissue valve depends on several factors, including age, lifestyle, medical condition, and personal preference. Here's a comparison of each type:

• Mechanical Valve:
  • Pros: Durable and can last a lifetime, reducing the likelihood of needing another surgery in the future.
  • Cons: Requires lifelong use of blood thinners to prevent clots, which can increase the risk of bleeding and may restrict certain activities.
  • Best suited for: Younger patients (usually under 60) who may benefit from the valve's durability and can safely manage blood-thinning medication.
• Tissue Valve:
  • Pros: Does not usually require lifelong blood thinners, making it safer for patients who may have bleeding risks or lead active lifestyles.
  • Cons: Typically needs to be replaced after 10-20 years, so re-operation may be required in the future.
  • Best suited for: Older patients (usually over 60) or those who prefer not to take blood thinners long-term.

  Consult with your cardiologist to determine the most suitable valve for you based on your health history, age, and lifestyle. They can guide you through the options to ensure the best outcome for your unique needs.

Preparing for aortic valve replacement in India involves several key steps to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery:

• Medical Consultation: Schedule pre-surgery consultations with your cardiologist and surgeon. They will review your medical history, and medications, and perform necessary tests like blood work, an ECG, and imaging scans.
• Preoperative Tests: Complete any required preoperative tests and screenings, which help the surgical team understand your current health and plan for your surgery accordingly.
• Medication Adjustment: Follow your doctor's instructions on medication adjustments, especially if you take blood thinners or any medications for chronic conditions.
• Lifestyle Preparations: Stop smoking, reduce alcohol intake, and maintain a balanced diet leading up to surgery. These changes support better surgical outcomes and a faster recovery.
• Travel Arrangements: Arrange your travel and accommodations in India, ensuring that you allow for enough time before surgery to settle in and meet with your healthcare team.
• Postoperative Care Plan: Coordinate with your healthcare provider to arrange for any postoperative care and follow-up appointments, either locally in India or with your doctor at home.

Yes, medical tourism in India is popular, and many international patients explore the country during their recovery period. However, consult with your doctor first to determine a safe timeframe for travel and light activities based on your recovery status. It's typically recommended to rest for a few weeks following surgery before engaging in any travel activities.

Yes, most patients can resume normal activities gradually after recovering from aortic valve replacement. Your return to daily life and exercise will depend on your specific health condition, the type of valve replacement you had, and your overall recovery progress.

For the first few weeks, focus on rest, light walking, and breathing exercises as advised by your healthcare team. Avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in vigorous activities.

• Cardiac Rehabilitation: Many patients benefit from a cardiac rehabilitation program, which involves supervised exercise and lifestyle counseling to help them safely regain strength and improve heart health.
• Resuming Exercise: Consult your doctor before resuming strenuous exercise. Many patients can begin light to moderate exercise after a few months, with a gradual increase in intensity as recommended.
• Long-term Health: It's important to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing stress. Regular check-ups will help monitor your heart health and ensure your recovery remains on track.

Beyond the actual Aortic Valve Replacement Cost in India, one must consider these additional expenses:

• Meals: Budget for meals outside the hospital, as in-hospital meals are usually covered along with the procedure cost of aortic valve replacement.
• Flights: Account for airfare to India, which varies based on your location and booking time.
• Local Travel: Plan for transport between the hospital and your accommodation, like taxis or rentals.
• Accommodation: Budget for lodging before and after hospitalization, with costs depending on location and comfort level.

Including these expenses beyond the cost estimates for Aortic Valve Replacement Cost in India helps ensure a smooth, comfortable recovery in India.