Artificial Heart & LVAD Cost in India - - Factors Affecting Cost & Types

An artificial heart or LVAD is a medical device that supplements the work of the heart's left chamber to maintain normal heart functioning. LVAD is required for people with non-working or poorly working hearts (especially the left side of the heart). LVAD or Left Ventricular Assist Device is specially designed to support the task of the left ventricular by using advanced technological support. The use of LVAD or other VADs is quite common globally. The higher rates of chronic heart problems and disease made the use of LVAD and other VADs prevalent in several African regions including Sub-Saharan countries, Eastern Africa, North Africa, and so on.

However, the Heartmate 3 LVAD cost remains expensive throughout the African territory which makes it harder for people from weaker economies to access quality treatment easily. So, if you too are searching for a cost-effective and affordable Heartmate 3 price, you can visit India for your treatment. Here, you will get access to the world-class infrastructure, treatment facility, and experienced surgeons for a reliable LVAD installation at a competitively lower price.

What is an Artificial Heart or LVAD?

Artificial heart/ heartmate or VADs are one of the most advanced and technology-driven medical solutions aimed at providing essential support for accurate heart functioning. LVAD or Left Ventricular Assist Device is specially designed to supplement the task of the left ventricular of the heart through external electrical support. People with severe heart failure and sometimes people waiting for transplant surgery get LVAD. A left ventricular assist device pumps the blood to the aorta (the primary task of the heart's fourth chamber commonly known as the left ventricular).

LVAD or Artificial Heart is prescribed for people who need a heart transplant or have poorly working hearts. Most of the first world countries charge artificial heart prices and installation costs. However, if you opt for India, you can get a cost-effective and reasonable left ventricular assist device price without compromising on the quality and safety aspects.

Different Types of VADs

LVAD or Left Ventricular Assist Device is a type of medical device commonly known as an artificial heart (that supports a failing heart by doing its task). The cost of VAD mostly depends on what type of VAD you are prescribed. Here are some common VADs performed depending on the condition of the patient –

1. LVAD or Left Ventricular Assist Device

Left Ventricular Assist Device or LVAD is the most common type of artificial heart or Ventricular Assist Device that supplements the overall task of the left ventricular or fourth chamber of the heart that pumps blood to the aorta (one of the primary blood vessels that circulate blood throughout the body).

2. RVAD or Right Ventricular Assist Device

As the name suggests, RVAD, or Right ventricular assist device is an artificial heart device that performs the task of the right ventricular of the heart. Which means it pumps blood to the pulmonary artery and out from the lungs. It is less common than LVADs and may cost a little higher than usual.

3. Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices

Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device requires a minimally invasive method to insert the artificial heart device. It can support either the left or right ventricle depending on the need to maintain normal heart functioning and prevent conditions that lead to heart failure.

4. BiVAD or Biventricular Assist Device

The biventricular assist device is one of the latest additions in the artificial device section. Unlike RVAD or LVAD this device can support both the task of the left and right ventricle. As a result, it works similarly to the TAH or total artificial heart device. Also, if you choose India for your treatment you can access reasonable TAH or total artificial heart cost lower than most of the mainstream medical tourism destinations.

A Cost Comparison of the LVAD or Artificial Heart Installation

Artificial heart installation requires efficiency with modern infrastructure and facilities to address any critical situation. The cost comparison will help you to know about costs in various countries.

Factors Affecting the Cost of LVAD Installation

Having an artificial heart device or LVAD can cost you a good amount of money. On top of that several associated factors can increase the overall cost of the treatment. So, before you choose any treatment plan or provider it would be wise to learn about the key factors that influence the overall cost of your LVAD installation-

■ Procedure:

You can have different options to install a left ventricular assist device or LVAD also different procedures come with unique charges. For instance, a minimally invasive procedure may reduce the chance of risks, bleeding, and pain compared to open surgery but it will also cost more than the counterpart.

■ Hospital accreditation:

The Cost of your LVAD installation also depends on the reputation and accreditation of your hospital. A well-accredited hospital with good reviews and international patient records will charge more than other hospitals and clinics.

■ Surgeons fee:

The fee of your surgeon also plays a crucial role in deciding your overall treatment cost. A well-qualified and experienced surgeon will charge more than any newly joined practitioner with limited exposure.

■ Pre-treatment diagnosis:

LVAD installation requires several pre-treatment diagnoses and tests to check the status of the heart. These tests also play a significant role in deciding the overall cost of your treatment.

■ Room category:

Not to mention, the type of room you select for your stay during your treatment also has a great impact on the overall cost of your treatment. For instance, a premium non-sharable room will cost more than any standard and shared room.

■ Treatment location:

The location of your treatment has a direct impact on your treatment cost. Opting for a tier 1 city for treatment will cost more in both treatment and stay than others.

Artificial Heart & LVAD FAQs