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Heart Valve Replacement

1providers

1doctors

USD 5750 – USD 10450

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Quick facts

Treatment type Open or minimally invasive heart surgery

Valve options Mechanical or tissue

Hospital stay About 5-7 days, including ICU

Return to activities 6-12 weeks

What is it

Heart valve replacement removes a diseased valve that cannot be repaired and puts a new valve in its place. The new valve may be mechanical, made of durable materials, or tissue, made from animal or human tissue.

Why it is done

A valve that is severely narrowed or leaking makes the heart work far harder than it should. Replacing it restores normal blood flow, relieves symptoms and protects the heart muscle from further strain.

Who needs it

Severe aortic stenosis or aortic regurgitation Severe mitral stenosis or regurgitation not suitable for repair A valve damaged by rheumatic heart disease Infection of a valve, endocarditis, that has destroyed valve tissue A previously replaced valve that has worn out

Types and options

Mechanical valve - very durable, usually lifelong, but needs lifelong blood-thinning medicine with regular blood tests. Tissue valve - no lifelong blood thinner in most patients, but may wear out over time and need replacing. Approaches: open surgery through the breastbone, minimally invasive surgery through a small incision, or a catheter-based valve such as TAVI in selected patients. The choice depends on your age, the valve involved, other conditions and your own preference.

Tests before treatment

Echocardiography, often including a transoesophageal echo ECG Coronary angiography before surgery, to check the heart arteries CT or other cardiac imaging where required Blood tests, and dental assessment to rule out a source of infection Assessment of overall surgical risk

How it is done

The diseased valve is removed and the new valve is sewn into place, usually with the support of a heart-lung machine while the heart is still.

Recovery

Usually around five to seven days in hospital, including time in intensive care. A return to normal activities generally takes six to twelve weeks. If you receive a mechanical valve you will take a blood thinner for life with regular blood tests. Follow-up echocardiography checks that the new valve is working, and cardiac rehabilitation is recommended where offered.

Benefits and outcomes

Relieves breathlessness, chest pain and fatigue Restores normal blood flow through the heart Protects the heart muscle from further damage Can improve both survival and quality of life A mechanical valve is usually a lifelong solution

Risks and complications

Bleeding Infection, including infection of the new valve Abnormal heart rhythm, sometimes needing a pacemaker Stroke or blood clots Kidney complications Valve leak around the new valve, or a tissue valve wearing out over time Complications of anaesthesia and surgery

Preparing to travel

Complete cardiac evaluation, including coronary angiography Dental check-up, since infection can travel to a new valve Review of medicines, especially blood thinners Pre-operative blood tests and anaesthesia assessment Stop smoking well before surgery where possible

How it is done

1
Access
The surgeon reaches the heart through the breastbone or a smaller incision, depending on the approach chosen.
2
Heart-lung support
The patient is placed on a heart-lung machine so the heart can be stopped and opened safely.
3
Removing the valve
The diseased valve is carefully removed and the valve opening is measured.
4
Fitting the new valve
The replacement valve is sewn into position and checked for a secure fit.
5
Testing
The heart is restarted and imaging confirms the new valve opens and closes properly with no significant leak.
6
Closure and recovery
The incision is closed and the patient is moved to intensive care for monitoring.

Where you can have this

1 listed

MedVista Demo Hospital (test account)

USD 5750–10450

3 days in hospital · 15 days in country

Doctors who perform this

Dr A. Demo

Director, Cardiac Sciences

MedVista Demo Hospital (test account) · 22 years

What it costs

USD 5750 – USD 10450 The range hospitals publish for this treatment. Your own price is confirmed after a surgeon reviews your reports. (1 providers) Get a treatment quote

What changes the price

Type of valve chosen, mechanical or tissue Which valve is being replaced, and whether more than one Surgical approach - open, minimally invasive or catheter-based Whether bypass grafting is done at the same time Hospital selected Surgeon and cardiac team Intensive care and length of stay