The heart is a pumping organ with four pumping chambers. Valves are located between these pumping chambers. The primary job of the valve is to help in the blood flow through the heart.
However, due to aging or any other underlying health condition, these valves might start degrading and losing their functionality, the severe cases calling for a valve replacement surgery.
This article focuses on the valve replacement cost in India and the challenges faced during a valve replacement treatment. But before that, let’s have a background understanding of valves and different procedures.
Types Of Valve
There are four types of valves:
- Tricuspid valve
- Pulmonary valve
- Mitral valve
- Aortic valve
When Do Valves Need Replacement?
Sometimes, valves become narrow and stiff due to either some infection or old age. In such a case, they do not function well. As a result, the heart has to push harder than usual to pump blood. This condition is called valve stenosis or valve regurgitation, or leaky valve in simple terms.
If the valve becomes leaky, they overturn the direction of blood flow, and the blood flows backward. It means less blood is pumped in the right order. In cases like these, the valves need to be repaired or replaced.
Types Of Valve Replacement Treatment
Bioprosthetic Valve Replacement
It is a minimally invasive surgery where a second or artificial valve replaces the original valve.
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (TMVR)
In this process, mitral regurgitation is repaired by using catheters.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
It is also a minimally invasive procedure. It treats aortic stenosis in which the aortic valve thickens, which partially blocks the blood supply and restricts the blood flow to the body from the heart.
In this process, thin tubes called catheters are inserted from an artery in the groin area to reach the aortic area. Then, the new valve is implanted with or without the help of a balloon.
Balloon Valvuloplasty
There is no need for valve replacement in this case. Instead, a balloon is used to inflate the valve, which then prevents its narrowing or stenosis.
Methods Of Surgery
There are two methods by which valves can be made to function properly. They are listed as:
- Open heart surgery
- Minimally invasive procedure
In open-heart surgery, a large incision is made on the chest to replace or repair the valve. However, a minimally invasive procedure is the preferred solution since it means a smaller incision, less pain, and shorter hospital stay.
For the surgery, either a ring is used as the valve support, or the entire valve replacement is done with an artificial valve made of carbon-coated plastic or tissue (from animal valves or human donors). You can choose either, depending on what your doctor suggests.
Challenges Or Risks Associated With Valve Replacement
- Blood clots, strokes, or lung problems
- Infection at the incision site
- Breathing issues
- Abnormal heart rhythms, also known as Arrhythmia
- Infection in the new valve
- Pneumonia
- Valve failure, also more common with replacement
- Bad reaction to anesthetics
- Bleeding during or after treatment
- Damage to the blood vessels
What Is The Valve Replacement Cost In India?
The valve replacement cost in India ranges between INR 4,52,838 to INR 5,98,914. However, the price may vary depending upon a lot of factors.
The cost fluctuates depending upon the city you choose. For instance, the average cost in Hyderabad is INR 2,40,000. Another factor is the recommended test done before the surgery. These may include:
- Echocardiography
- Cardiac Catheterization, Stress Testing or Cardiac MRI
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram
- Transesophageal Echo (TEE)
The cost of these tests also depends upon where you get them done from, as in which diagnostic center or hospital. Other things that may affect the valve replacement cost in India are:
- Doctor’s fee
- Type of room
- Cost of medications
- Cost of heart valve replacement plan
- Standard tests and diagnostic procedures
- The post-surgery costs, including medications, check-ups, tests, etc.
Conclusion
After the surgical process ends, you will be kept in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) post your surgery for observation. You will be provided with medications, nutrition, fluids, and oxygen through intravenous(IV) lines.
They may also help you to do walking and breathing exercises to help you recover quickly. Moreover, you must avoid driving or lifting anything heavy for several weeks post your surgery.
Your best bet to reduce the post-op risks is to avail treatment at a reputable and excelling hospital like Max Healthcare, where the leading surgeons and medical experts handle your case.
