Heart Surgery

Overview

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death globally. More than half a billion people are affected by cardiovascular disease worldwide.

What is Heart Surgery?

Heart surgery, or cardiac surgery, includes a range of procedures on the heart muscle, valves, arteries, or aorta. It is used to treat:

• Arterial blockages
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Malfunctioning heart valves

These surgeries aim to restore the heart’s function and significantly improve life expectancy.

Diagnostic Process Before Surgery

Before surgery, a thorough diagnostic process is followed which may include:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Chest X-rays
• Blood tests
• Cardiac CT scan
• Cardiac MRI

The results help determine the appropriate surgical approach based on the patient’s heart condition and overall health.

Types of Heart Surgery

1. Open Heart Surgery

• A 6–8 inch incision is made in the chest
• Heart is stopped and connected to a heart-lung bypass machine
• Allows the surgeon to operate on a still heart

2. Off-Pump Bypass Surgery

• Similar to open surgery but without a heart-lung machine
• Used mainly for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

3. Minimally Invasive Surgery

• Smaller incisions made on the chest
• May involve robotic assistance
• Less pain, quicker recovery, smaller scars

Factors That Can Affect the Cost of Heart Surgery

• Medication costs
• Duration of treatment
• Geographical location
• Hospitalization expenses
• Government policies and subsidies
• Medical tourism packages
• Hospital reputation and infrastructure
• Experience of medical professionals
• Frequency and type of diagnostic procedures
• Treatment modality chosen

Additional Patient Considerations

Patients undergoing heart surgery in India receive:

• Top-tier medical care
• Global standard facilities
• Inclusive packages (accommodation, meals, transport)