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Get A QuoteAs a gateway to regulate blood flow from the heart to the entire body, the heart contains an aortic valve. When the aortic valve is no longer able to operate normally, surgery to replace it requires a procedure. Animal tissues or some synthetic material are used to replace the aortic valve when it sustains significant damage. Both the most recent minimally invasive surgical technology and conventional methods can be used to replace the aortic valve.
The most common open-heart surgery procedure that is not suitable for everyone is aortic valve replacement. It typically requires more time to recover and is not appropriate for people who are weak and afflicted with other illnesses. The replacement of the aortic valve can occasionally result in complications, such as an irregular heartbeat, which can worsen and even cause fatal situations.
The problem can become more complicated to manage if the patient smokes, is overweight, and has lung disease. The entire aortic valve replacement procedure is monitored, and the surgeon ensures that the heart beats rhythmically and that the valves function properly once the treatment is complete. The patient is typically permitted to begin physical activities gradually after three to four months. Previously, the patient was the only one allowed to engage in most of the stressful activities.
For Indian patients, the price range for replacing an aortic valve is between USD 4,380 and USD 5,840. For patients from abroad, the price ranges from USD 6,570 to USD 8,030. The length of time, however, may differ based on the surgeon's technique selection and the hospital's amenities. Additionally, prices may vary between Indian cities and hospitals.
What Is Aortic Valve Surgery?
Aortic valve disease can be treated with aortic valve surgery. Your aortic valve has to be fixed or replaced. This "door" controls the flow of blood into your main artery (the aorta) from the left ventricle, your heart's primary pumping chamber. Your aortic valve needs to function correctly because your aorta supplies your entire body with oxygen-rich blood.
Your aortic valve can't work correctly if you have aortic valve disease. The amount of blood that may pass through your valve may be restricted due to an inadequate opening. Another possibility is that your valve is leaky, which would cause some blood to flow backwards each time it closes. Valve function may be impacted by congenital cardiac problems that some people are born with.
Aortic valve surgery is performed by cardiac surgeons to treat:
A procedure can fix your valve problem, even though the idea of aortic valve surgery may seem daunting. Additionally, it can reduce your chance of heart failure and cardiac arrest, which are complications of valve dysfunction. Aortic valve surgery has been successfully performed on thousands of patients.
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Aortic Valve Stenosis:
In this state, the aortic valve's flaps or cusps thicken, stiffen, and merge. The valve's aperture narrows as a result, which lessens or stops the heart's blood flow throughout the body.
Aortic Valve Regurgitation:
When the aortic valve malfunctions, blood can flow backwards into the left ventricle in patients with aortic valve regurgitation.
Congenital Heart Defects:
Some infants are born with insufficient tissue cusps or an aortic valve without a valve opening. Incorrect valve size or shape can also indicate a congenital heart problem.
Here is the general summary of the aortic valve replacement procedure:
Anaesthesia: The patient will receive general anaesthesia so that they will be unconscious and pain-free during the surgery.
Incision: The surgeon will make an incision based on the approach taken. The approach may be a median sternotomy, a mini-sternotomy, a partial sternotomy, or a small incision for a minimally invasive approach.
Putting the Patient on Bypass: The patient will be put on a heart-lung bypass machine. This allows the surgeon to temporarily take over the functions of the heart and lungs. To do this, the surgeon must stop the heart so that they can work on the aortic valve.
Removing the Rejected Valve: The surgeon removes the diseased or rejected aortic valve. This may involve cutting out and removing the valve leaflets, as well as cleaning away any calcified or obstructing tissue.
Valve Placement: The new valve is placed in the aortic valve position. The surgeon considers several factors to determine which valve will be placed where. The surgeon will either sew or stitch the new valve in place, using various methods to ensure that the valve functions properly once in place.
Checking the Valve: The surgeon will assess the positioning and functioning of the new valve. The surgeon may employ several methods to achieve this, such as using dye to determine blood flow or using a finger to evaluate the valve's opening and closing.
Closing the Incision: Once the surgeon is satisfied with the function of the new valve, the incision will be closed with sutures. In some cases, the surgeon may put in temporary chest tubes to drain any fluid or air after the chest is closed.
Aortic valve replacement can be classified into two primary categories, each with its subtypes. The following are:
Traditional/Open-Heart Aortic Valve Replacement
This conventional method makes an incision that can be as long as 6-8 inches. This method affords the surgeon the best views during the operation. Within this category, there are several types of Sternotomy:
Median Sternotomy: The median sternotomy is the most common approach. This incision provides access to the heart through the central chest. This is the approach we will discuss and plan to use in this procedure. Surgery is typically performed on a non-beating heart using a heart-lung bypass machine.
Mini-Sternotomy: Like median sternotomy, a smaller incision is made. This is made in the upper breastbone, providing a less invasive option. It still uses a heart-lung bypass machine.
Partial Sternotomy: This incision is smaller and is made on the left side of the chest. The sternum is minimally divided, allowing access to the heart for valve replacement.
Manubrium-Sparing Sternotomy: A new technique we will also discuss involves making a smaller incision between the collarbones, thereby sparing the upper sternum. This may reduce post-operative pain and facilitate a quicker recovery.
Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement
In contrast to traditional surgery, it allows for an incision of 4-5 inches and generally results in a shorter recovery time afterwards. These are:
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR/TAVI): This is a type of minimally invasive procedure that is performed without open-heart surgery. A catheter is inserted through a small incision, usually in the groin or chest, and threaded through an artery to guide a replacement valve into the heart. Once in the heart, the valve is expanded to replace the diseased valve. TAVR is usually used on those patients who are at a higher risk or not indicated for open-heart surgery.
Robotic-Assisted Aortic Valve Replacement: This procedure utilises a robotic surgical system to assist the surgeon. The surgeon makes small incisions and manipulates robotic arms to accomplish the valve replacement with greater precision and dexterity.
Treatment Cost in India |
Min |
Max |
Aortic Valve Replacement |
3889.44 USD |
5185.92 USD |
Aortic Valve Replacement – Synthetic Valve |
4262.40 USD |
5683.20 USD |
Aortic Valve Replacement - Tissue Valve |
3036.96 USD |
4049.28 USD |
Aortic Valve Repair |
1980.00 USD |
2640.00 USD |
What Does The Cost Of Aortic Valve Replacement Include?
Factors Affecting The Cost Of Aortic Valve Replacement
The patient's condition and preferences also affect the procedure's ultimate cost. These include, among others,
It can take years for some patients with aortic valve dysfunction to exhibit any noticeable symptoms. However, get in touch with your doctor right away if you observe any of the symptoms listed below.
There are always the possibilities of infection, bleeding, and pneumonia occurring with any open surgical procedure. These risks can be mitigated with specific medications.
Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are abnormal heartbeats triggered after an aortic valve replacement. They most often resolve on their own; however, they may occasionally need medication or other interventions.
Valve Dysfunction
Occasionally, a valve may malfunction. Valves can leak or decrease blood delivery to the body due to valve narrowing; additional surgery may be required for these issues.
Blood Clots
Blood clots could occur at the new valve or create complications in another area, such as a brain bleed or heart attack. Patients will likely need some form of medication for blood thinning, prescribed after surgery.
Limited Life Span of the Valve
Some valves have a limited lifespan or can fail, and there is a risk that the patient may require additional surgery for valve replacement later.
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Due to the aortic valve's critical function in the circulatory system and the complexity of the treatment, aortic valve replacement surgery is a serious procedure. It is a large operation, but for many people, it is a life-saving procedure. Improvements in post-operative care and surgical techniques have significantly enhanced results.
With a median survival time of about 10.9 years, life expectancy following aortic valve replacement varies but is generally good, especially for younger, low-risk patients. Older or high-risk persons have poorer survival rates, and longevity may also be impacted by the kind of valve (mechanical vs. biological).
The Medanta-The Medicity, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Apollo Hospitals, and Narayana Health are among the renowned Indian hospitals recognised for their expertise in heart valve replacement. For valve replacement surgeries, Max Healthcare and Wockhardt Hospitals are also regarded as excellent options. Modern facilities, skilled doctors, and cutting-edge cardiac treatment are what these institutions are renowned for.
Long-term survival rates for low-risk patients who have aortic valve replacement surgery typically range from 80% to 90%. According to a study conducted by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, low-risk surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) had a five-year survival rate of 92.9% and an eight-year survival rate of over 90%. Another procedure with a high success rate is transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR); according to some studies, the success rate is 92%.
When an aortic valve is badly damaged, it can cause significant health issues and possibly death if it is not replaced. Heart failure, irregular heartbeats, and decreased blood flow to the body can arise from untreated aortic valve issues, including stenosis or regurgitation. These conditions can have a significant negative influence on a person's quality of life and even be deadly.