A Complete Guide to Heart Valve Replacement Surgery Abroad

If you're dealing with heart valve problems, you might need a heart valve replacement to help your heart work better and avoid serious health issues. As more people face heart valve problems, many are looking at the option of having the surgery done abroad—where they can get great care at a lower price.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what heart valve replacement is, how the procedure works, and why getting it done abroad might be a good choice for you.

What is heart valve replacement?

The heart has four valves—mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary—that regulate blood flow in the right direction. When these valves become damaged or diseased, they may not function properly, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain. If left untreated, these issues can worsen and lead to heart failure or even death.

Heart valve replacement is a surgery that involves removing a damaged valve and implanting a new one. This helps restore normal blood flow and improves the overall function of your heart. With recent advancements, such as minimally invasive surgery and transcatheter techniques, heart valve replacement has become safer and more accessible than ever before.

In fact, a recent clinical trial has challenged the traditional “wait and see” approach for symptom-free patients with severe aortic stenosis. The study found that early treatment using minimally invasive techniques reduced the risk of unexpected hospitalizations by around 50% over two years. This suggests that taking a proactive approach to treatment may improve outcomes for patients who would otherwise be monitored without immediate intervention.

Who needs heart valve replacement?

Heart valves control blood flow through the heart. If a valve becomes too narrow (stenosis) or leaky (regurgitation), it can strain the heart and lead to serious problems. Replacement is often recommended when:

• The valve is severely damaged and cannot be repaired.
• The heart is struggling due to the valve issue (e.g., weakened heart muscle).
• Other surgeries (like bypass surgery) are needed, and the valve should be fixed at the same time.

Step-by-step procedure of heart valve replacement

Here’s a quick breakdown of what happens before, during, and after the surgery:

1. Before surgery

Before you have the surgery, your doctor will do a thorough check-up. This might include tests like echocardiograms or CT scans to see how your heart is doing and figure out which valve needs replacing.

2. Types of surgery

There are different ways to do the surgery, depending on your condition:

• The traditional method is open-heart surgery, where the doctor makes a large cut in your chest, stops your heart temporarily, and uses a heart-lung machine to keep blood circulating while they fix the valve. It’s often used for more complicated cases.

But, can a heart valve be replaced without open heart surgery? Well, here are two popular methods:

1. Minimally invasive surgery: In this approach, the surgeon uses smaller cuts and special tools to replace the valve, which means you recover faster and feel less pain.

2. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): This method is great for people who are at high risk for open-heart surgery. Instead of cutting open your chest, the doctor puts a new valve in through a tube (catheter) inserted into a blood vessel, usually in your groin.

3. During Surgery

The surgery usually lasts 2-5 hours, and you'll be asleep under general anesthesia. The surgeon removes the damaged valve and puts in either a biological (from animal tissue) or mechanical valve.

4. After Surgery

After the surgery, you’ll spend about 1-2 days in intensive care to make sure everything is going well. Then, you’ll stay in the hospital for 5-7 more days while you recover. During this time, the doctors will keep an eye on you and help you get back to your normal activities.

Ready to take the next step in your heart health? Let QCG help you navigate affordable, world-class heart valve replacement surgery abroad.

Biological vs. mechanical valve

When it comes to replacing the valve, there are two main options:

• Biological valves: These are made from animal tissue (like pig or cow tissue). They last 15-20 years and don't need you to take blood thinners for the rest of your life.

• Mechanical valves: These are made from super-durable materials like titanium. They last much longer (sometimes 30 years or more) but require you to take blood thinners for life to prevent blood clots.

Newer research is even working on hybrid valves that combine the best features of both types—offering the durability of a mechanical valve without the need for lifelong blood thinners. A recent study from UBC Okanagan has led to the development of an innovative mechanical valve that blends the best qualities of both valve types, improving performance and reducing complications.

Are there age restrictions for heart valve replacement?

While there's no absolute age limit for heart valve replacement, candidacy depends on:

• Overall health status
• Surgical risk assessment
• Type of valve disease
• Presence of other medical conditions
• Expected benefits versus risks

Elderly patients may be candidates for less invasive procedures like TAVR if open surgery poses excessive risk.

Heart valve replacement recovery

After heart valve replacement, full recovery usually takes about 6-8 weeks. During this time, it’s important to:

• Follow a heart-healthy diet

• Avoid heavy physical activities

• Keep up with your follow-up appointments to check how you're healing

If you have a biological valve, you’ll need regular check-ups with an echocardiogram to monitor the valve. For mechanical valves, you’ll need blood tests to make sure your blood thinner levels are correct.

Risks of heart valve replacement surgery

Like any major surgery, heart valve replacement carries risks, including:

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Blood clots

• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)

• Valve failure

Although serious complications are rare, it's important to talk to your doctor about these risks before proceeding with the surgery.

Why consider heart valve replacement abroad?

More and more people are considering having heart valve replacement surgery abroad. Here are two major factors:

Affordability

One of the main reasons people choose to have the surgery abroad is the lower cost.

So, how much does a heart valve replacement cost? In countries like Turkey, India, and Mexico, heart valve replacement can cost between $19,000 and $40,000. That’s much cheaper than in the US or Western Europe, where the cost can go over $200,000. Here’s a quick look at the prices in different countries:

• Turkey: From $18,000

• Germany: From €27,000

• South Korea: From $23,000

• Spain: From €25,000

These countries offer high-quality medical care, so you don’t have to worry about safety or professionalism. A review found that the cost-effectiveness of heart valve replacements differs by country, with prices as low as $1,253 in Iran, while in France, it can reach €54,634.

High success rates

You might be wondering if the quality of care abroad is as good as in the US. The answer is yes. Many hospitals in medical tourism hotspots report success rates of 98.8% for heart valve replacement surgeries. Overall, you can expect success rates between 94% and 97%, even at international healthcare facilities.

Best countries for heart valve replacement surgery

So, where are the best places to go for heart valve replacement abroad? Here are a few top destinations:

• Turkey: Known for affordable healthcare and modern medical facilities, Turkey offers great options for people looking for high-quality surgery at a lower cost.

• India: India is famous for its excellent heart surgeons and affordable medical care, making it a popular choice for heart valve replacement.

• Germany: If you're looking for advanced technology and top-tier medical care, Germany is one of the best countries for heart surgery.

• South Korea: With cutting-edge medical technology and highly trained surgeons, South Korea offers high-quality care at competitive prices.

• Thailand: A top destination for medical tourism, Thailand combines excellent healthcare with a welcoming atmosphere for international patients.

Is heart valve replacement abroad safe?

Yes, having a heart valve replacement abroad is a safe and effective option that can boost your health and overall well-being. Many countries have top-rated hospitals, skilled surgeons, and advanced technology, so you can get excellent care at a lower cost. As long as you choose a reputable hospital and an experienced doctor, the procedure is just as safe as in your home country—only more affordable.

Find the best heart valve replacement options worldwide. Quality Care Global is here to help!