What is Heart Valve Surgery?
Cardiac surgery refers to any surgical proceedings undertaken to repair heart-related disorders. Heart valve surgery is meant for treating disorders related to the heart valve.
The heart has four valves that aid the smooth flow of blood in the right direction. These four heart valves are pulmonary, tricuspid, mitral, and aortic valves.
If any of these fail to work properly, it can hinder blood flow. To rectify the problem, the doctor will perform heart valve surgery. The damaged heart valve will either be repaired or replaced.
There are various heart valve surgeries, including minimally invasive surgery and open-heart surgery.
What Are the Different Types of Heart Valve Surgery in India?
There are mainly four types of heart valve surgery:-
1. Bioprosthetic Valve Replacement
It is a minimally invasive procedure. However, the first replacement valve will begin to show signs of wear and tear with time. To address the problem, the doctor will remove it and place a second valve.
2. Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR)
With the aid of catheters, the doctor will repair the mitral regurgitation.
3. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
This procedure treats aortic stenosis. In this disease, the aortic valve becomes thick, hampering the valve from opening to its full potential.
The doctor will treat the disease with the aid of catheters. These tubes will help the doctor to access the aortic valve from an artery near the groin. With a catheter, the new valve would be implanted.
4. Balloon Valvuloplasty
In this procedure, the valves will be repaired instead of being replaced. A balloon will be placed in the valve and will be temporarily inflated. This will reduce narrowing.
How Much Does It Cost for Heart Valve Surgery in India?
The heart valve replacement surgery cost in India differs from one hospital to another, but the average cost of surgery in India is around Rs 3.5 lakhs.
Contact Max Hospital India to get an accurate figure for the surgery. Heart valve surgery cost in India is much more affordable than in Western countries.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Heart Valve Replacement Surgery?
Many factors can determine the cost of heart valve replacement surgery in India:-
- The type of room and the number of days spent at the hospital.
- The doctor, surgeon, and other health care staff’s fee.
- Hospital’s status
- Type of medications
- Test and diagnostic procedures
What Causes Heart Valve Disease?
The four heart valves are responsible for the smooth flow of blood. Every valve comprises flaps. The flaps open and close per heartbeat. If any of these flaps malfunction, it can severely affect the blood flow.
In some patients, heart valve disease is congenital. But other people may acquire the disease later on due to certain conditions. These conditions are mentioned below.
- Stenosis: The flaps tend to become thick. Since the valve becomes narrow, it limits the blood flow.
- Regurgitation: If any of the flaps malfunction or cannot close fully, the blood will flow back into the heart.
- Atresia: In this condition, the valve has not been formed. A sheet of tissue will prevent the blood from flowing between the heart chambers.
How Do You Know if You Have a Heart Valve Problem?
People who have a heart valve problem may begin to experience specific symptoms.
- Increasing difficulty in breathing
- The abdomen, feet, or ankles may swell
- Chest discomfort
- Excessive weight gain
- Palpitations
- Weakness
What is the Treatment for Heart Valve Disease?
The doctor will suggest the type of treatment based on the severity of the disease, symptoms, and other conditions.
You may be asked to change certain habits, be given medications, and need to take blood thinners.
- Surgery:- In most cases, patients have to undergo surgery. The doctor may repair or replace the valve through surgery.
- Heart Valve Repair:- The surgeon begins the repair process by patching holes in a valve. The team will then look for valve leaflets that have fused. After separating these leaflets, cords supporting the valve will be replaced. Finally, the excess valve tissues will be removed, and the valve seal.
- Heart Valve Replacement:- If it is not possible to repair the heart valve, the doctor will replace it.
What Causes the Need for Heart Valve Replacement?
The doctor will initially try to repair the valve. But if not possible, it will be replaced. The damaged valve will be removed and in its place, a mechanical or a biological one will be planted.
A mechanical valve made from metal or ceramic is robust and long-lasting. But with this valve, you will have to take blood thinners for your entire life.
A biological valve is made from a pig, cow, or human heart tissue. Here you do not require blood thinners. The average life of a biological valve is between 12 and 15 years.
What Makes Max the Best Hospital for Heart Valve Replacement Surgery in India?
- MHI comprises a state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and is the best hospital for heart valve surgery in India.
- Highly-qualified and experienced medical doctors, surgeons, and medical staff
- MHI provides numerous amenities to international patients like interpreter facility stay and food arrangement, visa and travel arrangement, among others.
- MHI assures the best care.
- If you are looking for the best doctor for valve replacement in India, contact Max hospital India.
Precautions Before & After the Surgery
Some things that you will be required expected to do are:-
- Maintain a healthy weight. Obese people should shed excess fat.
- Be physically active. Light exercises or brisk walks will help you remain in shape.
- Smokers should give up smoking. You may need to ask your doctors about the ways to overcome this problem.
- It is necessary to avoid stress. Deep breathing and yoga are some good relaxation techniques.
