Mitral valve replacement is a complex cardiac procedure done to treat diseases of the mitral valve. You may require valve replacement surgery if your mitral valve is too narrow or is leaking. The surgery helps increase the lifespan and improve the quality of life of mitral valve disease patients.
Choosing the right surgeon and hospital is necessary for successful results. Over the past few decades, India has significantly developed its healthcare sector. The medical institutions are equipped with the latest medical technologies. Cardi0ac surgeons in India are well-versed with all the latest techniques, such as minimally invasive procedures and robotic surgeries.
India offers mitral valve replacement at lower prices compared to other developed nations. The cost of mitral valve replacement in India starts from INR 2,70,000. This blog will give you a better understanding of mitral valve replacement procedures, related costs, and some of the best cardiac surgeons to choose from.
What is Mitral Valve Replacement?
The mitral valve is one of the four valves in the heart. It is located between the left atrium and left ventricle. When the valve does not work correctly, it hampers blood circulation and puts stress on the heart.
Medicines can manage some of the mitral valve diseases. However, in severe cases, the valve may be required to replace entirely. This is known as mitral valve replacement surgery.
Why is a Mitral Valve Replacement Required?
The surgical replacement of the mitral valve is required in severe mitral valve diseases. These diseases can be caused simply due to normal aging and wearing out of the mitral valve. Other conditions such as heart failure, coronary heart disease, infection in the heart valves, rheumatic fever, or mitral valve prolapse can also lead to mitral valve diseases.
The two major types of mitral valve disease requiring a valve replacement are:
- Mitral Valve Stenosis: It is a state in which the valve cannot open completely. This reduces the blood flow through the chambers.
- Mitral Valve Regurgitation: In mitral valve regurgitation, the blood leaks from the mitral valve. This causes some of the blood to flow backward rather than forwards.
How is Mitral Valve Replacement Performed?
Mitral valve replacement can be performed either by open heart surgery or by minimally invasive procedures. India offers both techniques for valve replacement. The cost of mitral valve replacement in India will vary based on the method used.
- Open Heart Surgery: It is done under general anesthesia and takes several hours. An incision is made in the middle of the chest to access the heart. A heart-lung machine is used during the procedure. The existing mitral valve is removed and replaced with the new mitral valve.
- Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement: TMVR is a minimally invasive procedure in which the cardiac surgeon inserts a thin tube (made up of latex/teflon/silicone) into a vein in the groin. The new mitral valve is then guided through the tube to replace the existing one.
- Robot-Assisted Mitral Valve Surgery: It is also a minimally invasive surgery in which the cardiac surgeon uses a robotic device to make a small incision and replace the valve.
What is the Cost of Mitral Valve Replacement in India?
The mitral valve replacement in India costs between INR 2,70,000 to INR 3,80,000. For international patients, this cost ranges from USD 5,500 to USD 6,800.
This cost includes preoperative diagnostic tests such as ECG, surgery costs, surgeon’s fees, cost of the valve, medicine cost, and hospital stay.
The patient is required to stay at the hospital for about 5 days and outside the hospital for 10 days.
The cost of mitral valve replacement in India varies depending on different factors like:
- Type of hospital (government or private)
- Type of room (single/double occupancy or general wards)
- Type of valve used (mechanical valve or tissue valve)
- Surgical technique used
- Postoperative complications (if any)
- Duration of stay
What Does India Offer to Patients Suffering From Mitral Valve Disease?
India has become one of the most sought-after destinations for medical tourism, particularly for mitral valve replacement. There are various reasons for it like –
- Experienced Cardiac Surgeons: Cardiac surgeons in India are highly skilled and rich in experience.
- Advancements in Technology: India has developed best-in-class medical infrastructure and keeps updating its treatment facilities.
- Affordability: Treatment costs in cardiac surgery hospitals in India are low compared to other developed nations.
- Quality Care: Despite the low-cost treatments, the hospitals in India always strive for the safety and quality of treatment they offer.
- Air Connectivity: With 35 international and 123 domestic airports, India is well-connected to other countries, making travel much more effortless.
- International standards: Some of the cardiac surgery hospitals in India are accredited by JCI, which means they follow international standards of quality treatment and patient safety.
Who are the Best Cardiac Surgeons for Mitral Valve Replacement in India?
India is home to some of the most experienced and skilled cardiac surgeons. Some of the best surgeons for mitral valve replacement in India are –
Dr. Nandkishore Kapadia
- Having experience of more than 27 years, Dr. Nandkishore is a leading Cardiothoracic Surgeon in India.
- He has performed 5000+ cardiovascular surgeries. He is known for performing mitral valve replacement, off-pump CABG, congenital heart surgery, and peripheral vascular surgery.
Dr. Anoop K.Ganjoo
- With over two decades of experience, Dr. Anoop is one of the most reputed Cardiothoracic Surgeons.
- He has been internationally trained in cardiac surgery from Milwaukee, USA.
- His specialties include vascular surgery, mitral valve repair/replacement, cardiothoracic surgery, and Ross procedure.
Dr. Pramod Kumar:
- He is an eminent Cardiac Surgeon who has extensive experience in mitral valve replacement, aortic aneurysm surgery, CABG, endovascular repair, and patent ductus arteriosus.
- He has been practicing for more than 30 years.
Dr. Raju Vyas:
- With an experience of 18+ years, Dr. Raju is a skilled Cardiothoracic Surgeon.
- He holds expertise in neonatal and adult cardiac surgeries, including heart bypass surgery, mitral valve replacement, TAPVD, Fontan procedure, and senning procedure.
India is a leading nation for cardiac procedures, including mitral valve replacement. The country has some of the best cardiac surgeons that are highly skilled and experienced. The world-class infrastructure of the hospitals attracts patients from various countries. The cost of mitral valve replacement in India is low compared to other developed nations, making it a suitable option for international patients.
