Open Heart Surgery

Open heart surgery is a serious yet very efficient treatment to correct heart issues. India provides state-of-the-art care at a fraction of the cost worldwide, making it one of the leading destinations for overseas patients. With expert surgeons, the latest hospitals, low-priced packages, and individualized care, patients get prompt, secure, and efficient care.

Heart disease continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and when medication or lifestyle modification fails, physicians may suggest open heart surgery. For patients worldwide, particularly for those who seek affordable but quality care, India has emerged as the go-to place for this life-saving treatment. The cost of open heart surgery in India ranges from USD 3,000 to USD 5,000.

What is Open Heart Surgery?

Open heart surgery involves the opening of the chest to expose the heart directly in order to treat several heart ailments such as:

1. Arteries blocked
2. Defective heart valves
3. Congenital heart defects
4. Complications from heart failure

Although the term suggests otherwise, new technology can utilize smaller openings or minimally invasive equipment, but it still generally refers to any surgery that involves direct work on the heart.

Types of Open Heart Surgery Procedures

There are various forms of open heart surgery. The most frequent ones include:

• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG):  This is the most frequent open-heart surgery. It corrects clogged arteries by providing an alternate route for blood to flow to the heart through a graft made from one of the patient's own blood vessels from the leg, arm, or chest.
• Heart Valve Repair or Replacement: If one of the four heart valves is not functioning correctly, the surgeon will repair or replace it with a mechanical or biologic valve.
• Congenital Heart Surgery: This is performed to repair birth defects in infants or adults who were born with an abnormal heart.
• Aneurysm Repair: This repairs a bulge or weakened area in the artery or wall of the heart that, if left unrepaired, may rupture.
• Heart Transplant: Only in extraordinary circumstances, if the heart is severely damaged, is it replaced with a healthy donor heart.

Who is a Candidate for Open Heart Surgery?

Your physicians will typically refer you to open heart surgery if:

1. You have bad coronary artery disease (CAD).
2. Your heart valves are not functioning or closing normally.
3. Medicines and lifestyle modifications haven't improved.
4. You're likely to have heart failure.
5. You have a congenital heart defect.
6. You have a ruptured aneurysm or endocarditis (heart infection).

Prior to making a decision, a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, surgeons, and anesthesiologists will assess your overall health, heart function, and risk factors.

Pre-Surgery Preparation & Diagnostics

Doctors perform a series of tests prior to surgery to prepare for the procedure and ensure safety:

1. Blood tests: Screen for anemia, infections, or blood clotting problems.
2. ECG (Electrocardiogram): Monitors the heart's electrical activity.
3. Chest X-ray: Examines your lungs and heart size.
4. Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create images of your heart.
5. Coronary angiography: Injects dye to view blockages in your heart's arteries.

Physicians will also:

1. Make you stop certain medicines.
2. Advise fasting for 8–12 hours prior to surgery.
3. Offer pre-surgery counseling to calm your nerves.

What's Included in the Package?

Medical tourism facilitators such as NeHealth provide inclusive packages that include:

1. Doctor consultation and hospital stay
2. Surgery and operating room fees
3. Anesthesia and medicines during surgery
4. Intensive care unit (ICU) fee
5. Lab tests and imaging
6. Nursing and ward facilities
7. Post-surgery rehabilitation sessions
8. Pick-up/drop-off from the airport
9. Language interpreter (on request)

Note: Travel, attendant accommodation, and post-discharge medicines might not be covered.

Why Consider India for Open Heart Surgery?

India is now one of the leading medical tourism destinations for heart surgery for a number of reasons:

1. Highly Qualified Surgeons: India boasts some of the finest cardiothoracic surgeons in the world. They have undergone training in the US, UK, or Europe and have 20–30 years of experience or more.
2. State-of-the-art Hospitals: Hospitals such as Fortis, Apollo, Narayana Health, Medanta, and Max Healthcare provide up-to-date cardiac care with international accreditations (JCI, NABH).
3. Affordable Costs: Open-heart surgery in India is one-tenth the cost of the same procedure in the US or UK, without compromising quality.
4. Zero Waiting Time: In contrast to those countries with waiting lists of months, India provides rapid scheduling, often within days.
5. English-speaking Staff & Travel Assistance: The majority of medical personnel communicate in English, and the hospitals offer visa and travel assistance to overseas patients.

Insurance, Medical Visa & Travel Support

1. Insurance

If you are from an international insurance-covered country, ensure you confirm ahead of time if your insurance is accepted by the hospital.

2. Medical Visa

India has a Medical Visa (M-Visa) for patients and an attendant visa for attendants. The visa is:

1. Valid for 6 months at most
2. Issued in 3–5 working days
3. Can be extended if treatment takes longer

Hospitals and medical facilitators such as EdhaCare help create the invitation letter required for visa approval.

3. Travel & Stay

Most hospitals have tie-up guest houses or hotels around. They also provide airport pickup, meal arrangements, and local SIM cards.

Open Heart Surgery Cost in India

The cost of open heart surgery in India ranges from USD 3,000 to USD 5,000. The price varies based on surgery type, hospital, city, and patient condition. 

Cost Breakdown

Here's a general cost estimate:

1. Pre-surgery evaluation: USD 500 - USD 800
2. Open heart surgery procedure: USD 2,000 - USD 3,500
3. ICU & hospital stay (7–10 Days Total): USD 500 - USD 800
4. Medications & post-discharge care (Up to 1 Month): USD 200 - USD 400
5. Travel, visa & accommodation: USD 300 - USD 500

Destinations like Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore are the most sought-after locations for heart care.

What Influences the Cost?

There are a number of reasons that influence the final cost:

1. Type of surgery needed
2. Hospital and city of choice
3. Length of stay in ICU and hospital
4. Type of room (general, semi-private, private)
5. Pre-existing conditions of the patient
6. Use of tissue vs. mechanical valve
7. Complications, if any
8. Requirement of blood transfusions or use of a ventilator

Always request a detailed estimate of cost and see what is included as opposed to what is not included in the package.

India vs. Other Nations: Cost Comparison

India provides 60–90% less expense yet offers first-class care and results.

Procedure, Hospital Stay & Rehabilitation Timeline

Surgery Time

1. The operation usually takes 3–6 hours depending on the complexity.

Hospital Stay

1. ICU: 1–3 days
2. Ward: 4–7 days
3. Total stay: Approximately 7–10 days

Rehabilitation

After discharge, patients might require cardiac rehab such as:

1. Supervised exercises
2. Diet planning
3. Emotional support
4. Lifestyle advice

Recovery Timeline and Aftercare

• First 2 Weeks 
  • Soreness at the incision site 
  • Fatigue and sleep disturbance are common 
  • Short walks and breathing exercises are encouraged
• Weeks 3–6 
  • Resume light household activities 
  • Begin cardiac rehab program
  • Emotional mood swings may happen, part of the healing process
• After 6–12 
  • Weeks Most individuals are able to return to work (non-strenuous jobs) 
  • Drive with your doctor's approval 
  • Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle

Aftercare Includes:

1. Regular check-ups (every 1–3 months)
2. Medication management (blood thinners, BP meds, cholesterol control)
3. Low-fat, low-salt, and high-fiber diet
4. Walking, yoga, or supervised physiotherapy

Reach out to us today for a free consultation and customized treatment plan!