Double Valve Replacement in India

The double valve replacement cost in India varies from case to case. An expert examination is necessary to determine the most effective treatment procedure/approach. Several external factors influence the cost and quality of care, including the treatment method.

What is double valve replacement?

Double valve replacement or replacement of the mitral and the aortic valves combined is known as double valve replacement surgery. It is a renowned procedure at Max Hospital, India. It is mainly performed on patients with Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD). This treatment has benefited patients suffering from aortic and mitral valve-related diseases. It also depends on the risk factors involved, like the age and health of the patient.

• After the diagnosis, the doctor decides if a double valve replacement surgery is required or not. This kind of surgery is mainly done as an open-heart surgery in which an incision is made on the chest and the sternum to gain access to the chest cavity. Minimally invasive procedures for the same are also available.
• After new ones replace the patient's aortic and mitral valves, the patient may feel improvement in their heart condition immediately.

What are the symptoms requiring double valve replacement?

Sometimes patients suffer from the following conditions, which reflect that they need a double valve replacement.

• Dizziness and fainting
• Cyanosis
• Light-headedness
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Fluid retention and swelling in the lower limbs
• Stenosis, or the narrowing of the blood vessels constricting the blood flow to various parts of the body
• Backflow of blood after pumping
• Many valvular diseases, like mitral valve prolapse and RHD, also require a double valve replacement surgery.

What are the medical tests needed to diagnose double valve replacement?

Some tests like physical examination and prior medical history of the patient determine the type of surgery the patient would require. These tests include:

• Electrocardiogram
• Echocardiogram
• CT scan
• Angiogram

These tests help detect valve problems in the patient's heart. The condition of the patient's health, age, and medical fitness are also the deciding factors of the type of surgery that will be performed. A fit patient is generally suggested to go for open-heart surgery. But in the case of select patients, the doctors prefer less invasive procedures like Transcatheter Valve Replacement surgeries.

In most cases, doctors prefer repairing the valves, and especially in the case of double valve replacement surgery, the doctors try to repair the mitral valve and replace the aortic valve. This has been more successful in increasing the chances of survival and ensuring prolonged life in patients suffering from heart valve-related diseases.

What are the precautions necessary for double valve replacement?

• The doctors generally advise patients to get admitted to the hospital and remain under constant monitoring before the surgery. The doctor also requests the patient's family to sign a consent form.
• During the surgery, it is made sure that the patient is comfortable under anaesthesia and medications.
• After surgery, blood-thinning medicine is prescribed to the patient. In the case of a biological valve, no blood-thinning medicine is required. But in some instances of the mechanical valve, the patient has to regularly take their blood thinning medications for the rest of their lives.

What is the cost of double valve replacement in India?

India has emerged as one of the most advanced countries in terms of heart health care. Advanced, cutting-edge therapeutic technologies and contemporary catheterization facilities have made this feasible. The doctors treating complex cases are highly experienced and have undergone extensive training to master the skills. Compared to Western countries, the cost of a double heart valve replacement procedure in India is lower.