Cardiac Science – Cardiac Surgery Packages & Cost Guide

About Cardiac Science and Cardiology Surgery Packages

Cardiac Science is the branch of medical science that deals with the diseases of the heart and blood vessels. If a person experiences symptoms of heart disease, such as a change in heart rate, chest pain, dizziness, high blood pressure, and shortness of breath, they should immediately consult a doctor.

Treatment for cardiac diseases is generally too costly and may not be afforded by everyone. Cardiac surgery packages play an important role in ensuring the best possible treatment at affordable prices. You also get required assistance during your treatment journey, such as visa, airport transfers, accommodation, appointments with the doctor, post-surgery assistance, etc.

Types of Surgeries Performed Under Cardiac Procedures

1. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

• About CABG

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), also called heart bypass surgery, is a procedure performed to restore blood flow to different areas of the heart. Artery blockages can reduce blood flow, leading to heart attacks and heart attack-like symptoms. Also, CABG restores normal blood flow by using the blood vessels of other parts of the body in order to create a detour around blockages.

• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) Cost

The cost of bypass surgery starts at $4150. Any variation in the cost is because of the hospital you select, the experience of the surgeon, the type of surgery you opt for, the age of the patient, post-surgery complications, the type of hospital you choose, etc.

• Countries Providing Affordable CABG Surgery Packages

There are many countries that offer affordable CABG surgery packages which cover most of the treatment-related expenses. These packages ensure that you get the best treatment at a cheap rate. Here is a list of countries that offer affordable CABG surgery packages:

• Who Needs It?

Coronary bypass surgery is a treatment option if a person experiences severe chest pain, has more than one diseased coronary artery, has the main coronary artery severely blocked, had a previous angioplasty, and is diagnosed with angina and coronary artery disease.

• CABG Bypass Surgery Age Limit

There is no age limit to undergoing bypass surgery. Bypass surgery can be performed in elderly patients with new techniques introduced. However, coronary artery bypass graft surgery is common in patients of age 80 or more. Patients below 60 years of age had a lower risk of adverse outcomes than elderly patients.

• Is Heart Bypass Surgery the Same as CABG?

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is also known as heart bypass surgery and is performed to restore blood flow to areas of your heart. These two terms are interchangeably used.

• Time is Taken to Perform CABG Surgery 

Coronary bypass surgery typically takes between 3 and 6 hours and needs general anesthesia. The number of bypasses you require depends on where in the heart and how severe blockages are. Surgery time depends on the specific type of CABG surgery and how many bypasses you require.

• Chances of Having a Heart Attack after Bypass Grafting Surgery

Both the coronary arteries and the heart that supply blood to the heart are in a vulnerable state following a coronary artery bypass graft, especially during the first thirty days after surgery. Some patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft might have a heart attack during the surgery, or shortly afterward.

• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Recovery

Recovery after a coronary artery bypass graft generally takes time and different individuals recover at slightly different speeds. Usually, you will be able to sit in a chair after one day, walk after three days, and go downstairs and upstairs after 5 or 6 days. Most individuals show a full recovery within 12 weeks after the operation. But in case you experience any complications during or after surgery, then your recovery time is expected to be longer. You should follow up with the doctor about 6-8 weeks after your operation.

2. Angiography (Including Non-Ionic Contrast)

• How Does Angiography (Including Non-Ionic Contrast) Work?

Angiography is a type of X-ray which allows doctors to check blood vessels for any abnormalities and blockages. Blood vessels don’t show very clearly on a normal X-ray, so a certain special dye has to be injected into the blood first. This helps in highlighting your specific blood vessels, allowing the doctor to see any issues. The X-ray images formed during angiography are called angiograms.

Non-Ionic Contrast angiography uses iodinated contrast media to increase the clarity of the image. Nonionic contrast material is better tolerated during angiography compared to ionic, high-osmolality contrast material. Non-ionic contrast media are more expensive but show a lower incidence of adverse reactions compared to nonionic contrast agents.

• How much Does an Angiography Cost?

The cost of Angiography starts from USD$ 450. Angiography (Including Non-Ionic Contrast) is available in many hospitals across different countries.

• Countries Providing Angiography (Including Non-Ionic Contrast) Packages

Below are some countries where we provide Angiography (Including Non-Ionic Contrast) Packages

• When & Who Needs Angiography?

Angiography is mostly used to check the health of the blood vessels and how the blood flows through them. This procedure can help to diagnose several problems affecting blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis (or narrowing of the arteries), peripheral arterial diseases, and angina. Symptoms like pain in the chest, arm, or leg.

• Angiography vs Angiogram

The process of examining the arterial blood vessels in order to check for any kind of blockages in blood circulation is known as angiography. The images from this process are referred to as an angiogram.

In angioplasty, a catheter is inserted through the arterial blockage. Then, a special balloon attached to the catheter is inflated at the specific site using water pressure that is slightly higher than the blood pressure, hence, relieving the blockage and letting more blood flow through. Finally, the balloon is deflated and withdrawn.

• Requirement of Cardiac clearance for Angiography (Including Non-Ionic Contrast)

Certain screening tests are done to get cardiac clearance before angiography. The aim of these tests is to check if the coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed and to detect abnormalities of heart valves or heart muscles. You may be required to undergo different tests before the angiogram, including electrocardiogram, blood tests, cardiac CT, or chest x-ray.  This clearance allows the cardiologist to determine if you are fit enough for the surgery and to brief out potential risks with you.

• Angiography Procedure Time

Angiography is done in a hospital radiology or X-ray department. It can take between 30 minutes and two hours, and you can go home the same day.

• Chances of Having a Heart Attack after Angiography (Including Non-Ionic Contrast)

Though rare, you might have a heart attack during or after angioplasty. There is 1- 2% chance of having a heart attack or stroke after the procedure.

3. Angioplasty

• What Does Angioplasty Mean?

A coronary angioplasty is a procedure performed to widen narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. “Angioplasty” is a term, which means using a balloon in order to stretch open a blocked or narrowed artery. But, most modern angioplasty procedures generally involve inserting a small wire-mesh tube, known as a stent, into the artery during this procedure. The small stent is left in place permanently to let blood flow more freely.

• How much Does Angioplasty Cost?

The cost of the angioplasty procedure starts from $3100. However, the cost may vary with cities, hospitals, and the experience of the surgeon.

Countries Providing Angioplasty Procedure Packages

Below are the countries where we offer the most affordable angioplasty procedure packages

When & why a Person Needs to Undergo an Angioplasty Procedure?

Angioplasty can help improve symptoms of blocked arteries like chest pain as well as shortness of breath. The procedure is also mostly used during a heart attack to immediately open a blocked artery and cut the amount of damage to the heart. People suffering from coronary artery disease and a heart attack might need to have coronary angioplasty. Angioplasty may also be used in other parts of the body that have narrow and blocked arteries like the neck, legs, arms, kidneys, and pelvis.

• Types of the Angioplasty Surgery

There are two types of angioplasty – Balloon angioplasty and Stent placement in the artery.

Balloon angioplasty involves the use of the pressure of an inflating balloon in order to clear plaque that is blocking the artery. It is rarely done alone except when doctors are unable to position a stent in the required place. Stent placement in the artery involves a tube made out of wire mesh. These stents help prevent artery narrowing after angioplasty.

• Is there Any Requirement for an Angioplasty Stent During Angioplasty?

The major drawback of using a bare metal stent is that, in some cases, the artery starts to narrow again. It is possible to avoid this issue by using drug-eluting stents, which are coated with medication that reduces the body’s abnormal tissue growth. This in turn helps reduce the overall risk of a blood clot blocking the stent immediately and causing a heart attack.

• Estimated Angioplasty Procedure Time

A coronary angioplasty generally takes from 30 minutes to 2 hours, though it may take longer. The procedure is carried out under local anesthesia wherein the patient remains completely awake.

• Chances of Having a Heart Attack after Angioplasty Surgery

The stent procedure helps smoothen blood flow and keeps the artery open. However, there are chances that you may get a heart attack even after stenting surgery. Blood clots can form in stents even after the procedure and these clots may close the artery, causing a heart attack.

4. Cardiac Valve Replacement

• What is Cardiac Valve Replacement?

Cardiac Valve Replacement surgery replaces or repairs a valve that doesn’t close right or is too narrow. Valves need to work properly to help blood flow in the right direction through the heart. Heart valve surgery options include minimally invasive, open, or through vein access to the heart. Heart valve surgery replaces or fixes one or more of the four valves in the heart. The cardiac surgeon may combine a valve surgery with other heart surgeries.

• Cardiac Valve Surgery Cost

Heart Valve Replacement Surgery Cost starts from $6800. The cost can vary depending on the experience of doctors, the hospital, the quality and type of implant used, and others.

• Countries Providing Cardiac Valve Replacement Surgery Packages

Our Cardiac Valve Replacement Surgery Packages are available in the below-listed countries

• Are Cardiac Valve Replacement & Heart Valve Replacement the Same?

Yes, cardiac valve replacement and heart valve replacement are the same. Both refer to the surgery performed to replace or repair diseased heart valves.

• When and why a Person Requires Cardiac Valve Replacement Surgery?

A person requires cardiac valve replacement surgery when one or more valves begin to leak and blood leaks backward, which leads to the pumping of less blood in the right direction. Depending on your symptoms and the condition of the heart, your doctor may decide that the diseased valve needs to be surgically replaced. Heart valve repair is also an effective solution to valvular heart disease. In some cases, the damage is severe and a total replacement of the affected valve remains the only option.

• Types of Heart Valve Replacement

Below are the types of heart valve replacement:

– Mitral Valve Replacement: This involves replacing the mitral valve, which is located on the left side of your heart and serves as an inflow valve. Surgery might be required if the valve does not completely open or close.

– Double Valve Replacement: This refers to a replacement of both the mitral as well as the aortic valve. This type of surgery isn’t as common as the others.

– Pulmonary Valve Replacement: This is used to replace or repair the pulmonary valve that separates the pulmonary artery, a blood vessel that carries blood to the lungs for oxidation. The requirement for pulmonary valve replacement is generally due to stenosis, which prevents blood flow. Stenosis might be caused due to congenital defects or carcinoid syndrome.

• Heart Valve Replacement Surgery Time

Heart valve replacement surgery will take a minimum of two hours or even longer based on the number of valves that need to be replaced or repaired.

• Are there any Cognitive Problems after Heart Valve Surgery?

A recent systematic review revealed that after heart valve surgery, a person’s cognitive ability may be slightly reduced, at least in the short term.

5. Heart Double Valve Replacement

• What Do You mean by Double Heart Valve Replacement?

A double valve replacement refers to a replacement of both the mitral as well as the aortic valve. This type of surgery isn’t as common as the others and is also associated with a high mortality rate.

• Double Valve Replacement Cost

Heart Double Valve Replacement cost starts from $12600. The total cost of the treatment depends on the diagnosis, facilities opted by the patient, experience of doctors, technology used, age of the patient, pre-existing conditions, etc.

• Countries Providing Heart Double Valve Replacement Surgery Packages

Below are some countries where Heart Double Valve Replacement Surgery Packages are available

• When & why a Person Requires Double Valve Replacement Surgery

Double valve replacement surgery may be required if both the mitral and the aortic valve are damaged or stops working. Some signs that indicate the need for double valve replacement surgery include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, and fluid retention.

• How Long Does a Double Valve Heart Surgery Take?

A double valve heart surgery varies from patient to patient. The procedure may take a minimum of two hours or often longer. During the surgery, the patient is asleep under general anesthesia. The surgery time also depends upon the age of the patient and any complications that may arise during surgery.

• Double Valve Replacement Surgery Success Rate

The average success rate of double valve replacement surgery is 94%. The success rate depends on a number of factors, such as the experience of doctors, the technology used, the age of the patient, pre-existing conditions, etc.

• Is there any Risk Associated with Double Valve Replacement Surgery?

There is a risk of lung, heart, and bladder infections, and excessive bleeding. Other risks include Blood clots that may cause stroke, heart attack, lung problems, pneumonia, pancreatitis, and breathing problems.

Few more Other Types of Cardiac Surgeries

6. EPS & RFA

• What is EPS & RFA?

An electrophysiological study (EPS) is a test that checks the electrical activity of your heart, allowing a doctor to analyse and diagnose fast or abnormal heart rhythms. It gives more detailed information compared to an external electrocardiogram (ECG). The process involves a catheter, which is inserted into the heart through a blood vessel in the groin. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure that aims to correct or control an abnormal heart rhythm. It is performed in the same way as an EPS by inserting a catheter into the heart through the groin. Radiofrequency energy is used to destroy the small region in the heart where an abnormal electrical activity is originating. This may be done at the same time as an EPS or on a separate occasion.

• EPS & RFA Treatment Cost

The cost of EPS & RFA treatment starts from $2500. The total treatment cost may vary depending on other parameters, such as facilities availed, type of the hospital, type of surgery performed, the experience of the doctor, the city where the hospital is located, etc.

• Countries Providing EPS & RFA Treatment Packages

The countries where the best EPS & RFA treatment packages are offered are listed below

• When Does a Doctor Send a Person for EPS & RFA Treatment?

A doctor may recommend EPS & RFA treatment when a person has been experiencing symptoms of a racing heartbeat or palpitations which can be distressing at times. This procedure can also be suggested when an abnormal heart rhythm is coming from the upper chambers of your heart, a condition called supraventricular tachycardia. RFA is also performed to treat a range of conditions, such as chronic venous insufficiency in the legs, benign and malignant tumors, and chronic back and neck pain.

• Are there any Side Effects of EPS & RFA Treatment?

Some side effects of EPS & RFA treatment include superficial skin infections on the injection site and damage to adjacent blood vessels & nerves during needle insertion leading to excessive bleeding, and irreversible neurologic damage leading to long-term tingling and numbness.

• EPS & RFA Treatment Success Rate

EPS & RFA has a success rate of about 95% with a low recurrence rate. Certain ventricular tachycardias may occur in a patient with poor heart function (due to prior myocardial infarction) and may be life-threatening within a short time of onset. There are several factors that affect the success rate of the procedure, such as the age of the patient, experience of the doctor, the technology used, etc.

7. PDA Closure

• What is PDA closure?

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a condition in which the ductus arteriosus doesn’t close properly after birth. In transcatheter PDA closure, the interventional cardiologists will insert a small catheter into the femoral vein in the patient’s groin. X-ray imaging will guide the catheter to the heart and find the PDA. Then, the surgeon will insert an occlusion device via the catheter and into the patient’s PDA.

Once placed, the device blocks the vessel and then stops blood from flowing into your lungs. Doctors will remove the catheter and seal the access point with a small bandage. The PDA closure device remains permanently in the heart. Other ways of PDA closure that do not involve a device include open-heart surgery, catheter procedure, and medications.

• PDA Closure Cost

PDA closure costs start from around $4500. However, the total cost of the treatment depends upon the diagnosis and facilities chosen by the patient.

• Countries Providing PDA Treatment Packages

PDA treatment packages are available in India. The PDA closure surgery packages in India start from USD 4100

• Is PDA Device Closure the Same as PDA Closure?

No, these are not the same. PDA device closure uses a device to close a PDA. Other ways of PDA closure that do not involve a device include open-heart surgery, catheter procedure, and medications.

• Requirements for PDA Closure 

Before PDA closure is performed, the patient has to undergo an evaluation process where all medical reports are evaluated thoroughly. The doctor may ask the patient to get some screening tests done to find any preexisting condition. This helps prevent any complexity during or after the procedure. Medications may be advised before the procedure is performed to make the patient ready for the treatment.

• PDA Closure Surgery Time

PDA closure may take approximately 45 minutes. In some cases, it might take longer depending on the age of the patient, current health condition, post-surgery complications, type of surgery, etc.

• PDA Closure Time in Premature Infants

PDA closure in premature infants is a critical procedure and may take around 1-2 hours. It can take even longer depending on a number of factors.

8. Pacemaker Implantation Surgery

• What is Pacemaker Implantation Surgery?

A pacemaker implantation surgery is a procedure used to implant a small electronic device, which is generally placed in the chest to help control slow electrical problems with the heart.

• Cost of pacemaker surgery 

Pacemaker Implantation cost starts from USD 4000. This cost can vary from person to person depending upon the experience of doctors, the hospital, quality & type of pacemaker used, etc.

• Countries Providing Pacemaker Surgery Packages

India is one of the top countries providing the best pacemaker surgery packages at affordable prices. The cost of the best pacemaker surgery package in India starts at USD 8650

• When Do We Go for Heart Pacemaker Surgery?

Pacemakers might be used by individuals who have heart problems, which cause the heart to beat too slowly. Two common problems that can lead to a slow heartbeat are heart block and sinus node disease. Some of the signs one needs a pacemaker surgery are feeling fatigued, fainting, chest pain, and breathing problems.

• Pacemaker Surgery Time

Pacemaker implantation surgery generally takes 1-2 hours, but it can take even longer if the patient has other heart surgery at the same time.

• Pacemaker Implantation Surgery Recovery Time

The patient can take a few days to a few months to completely recover after Pacemaker implantation surgery. Your doctor may recommend avoiding heavy lifting and more strenuous activity. However, recovery should be complete in about four weeks’ time.

• Does Anyone Require Cardiac Clearance for any of these Cardiac Surgeries?

Patients who have a history of cardiac conditions, a complex medical history, and current comorbidities typically require cardiac testing for surgical clearance. For all the above-mentioned cardiac surgeries, cardiac clearance is needed. Some common preoperative cardiac tests that pre-surgery patients usually require to undergo are Chest Radiography, Electrocardiography, and Cardiac Stress Test

• Requirement of Cardiac Clearance for any Cardiac Surgery Packages

A person needs to have cardiac clearance before choosing any Cardiac Surgery Packages. The patient needs to share all medical history and test reports with the case manager. The case is discussed with the doctor and additional tests may be required. Post-analysis of the test reports, cardiac clearance is given to the patient if the doctor thinks that the patient is healthy enough to undergo cardiac surgery. Once clearance is given, the patient can go ahead with a Cardiac Surgery Package.

• Do We Need to Make Arrangements for Blood from the Blood Bank Before Cardiac Surgery?

Most of the time, the patient needs to arrange with the hospital or local blood bank before the surgery in order to have directed donor blood. It is vital to note that there isn’t any evidence that getting blood from friends or family members is safer than getting it from the general public.

• Does Health Insurance Cover all those Cardiac Procedures?

Yes, critical heart-related ailments, such as heart attack, Coronary Artery By-pass Surgery (CABG), heart valve surgery, etc. are covered by health insurance.

• How Can We make our Life Stable After Undergoing any Cardiac Surgery?

Once you return home after cardiac surgery, returning to a normal routine may take time as your body systems have slowed because of surgery, medication, and less activity. Healing time would take at least 2-3 months. A slow increase in your overall activity can help promote healing and rebuild your body tone and strength. You might not have much appetite after the surgery, but it would increase as you recover. Avoid smoking as it is harmful to your heart, lungs, and new grafts. Never increase or stop the number of medications without the doctor’s advice. If you experience any kind of discomfort, report it to your nurse or nurse.

Reference Links:

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16897-coronary-artery-bypass-surgery
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/coronary-bypass-surgery/about/pac-20384589
• https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2017/9829487/