Heart Transplant Cost

Heart Transplant Cost

Heart Transplant Cost in India

A heart transplant is a surgical process where the surgeon removes the affected or malfunctioning heart of the patient and replaces it with the healthy heart of a deceased donor. Heart transplant is a common medical service (related cardiac segment) available in most countries in the world. In 2021 there were 12 heart transplant cases among 229 organ transplants in South Africa. It shows the prevalence of heart transplants and the need for more advanced facilities in this sector. Also, the cost of heart transplant surgery in Africa is a major concern for the locals.

So, if you are looking for a cost-effective and advanced heart transplant you can visit India. Because, here you can access world-class treatment facilities from globally recognised surgeons. The heart transplant surgery cost is also low in India.

What is Heart Transplant Surgery?

If you are searching for affordable heart replacement costs, you must understand the process to identify the most reasonable heart transplant surgery price. A heart transplant is a major and complicated surgical procedure. In this procedure, a failing heart is replaced with a healthy heart of a diseased person. It is a life-saving and revolutionary treatment procedure that is saved for only critical cases. It is used to treat patients when other traditional cardiac treatment methods fail to work.

That is why heart surgery is often called the last stage of the treatment. The higher level of complexity and sensitivity associated with the process leads to higher costs than other cardiac surgeries. However, opting for medical tourism to India can effectively reduce your average cost of heart transplant surgery in comparison to many first-world countries.

Types of Heart Transplant Surgery

There are two primary types of heart transplant procedures available. The average heart transplant surgery cost highly depends on the type. So, it is essential to learn about the types especially when looking for a cost-effective heart transplant surgery. Below we will discuss them briefly for your help-

1. Heterotopic Transplant

A heterotopic transplant is a type of heart transplant (not very common). In this procedure, the patient's failing heart is supplemented with a donor’s healthy heart. A heterotopic transplant is used when the affected patient’s heart is difficult or life-threatening to remove from the body. The surgeon only supplements the failing heart with a healthy one without removing it.

2. Orthopaedic transplant

On the other hand, an orthopaedic heart transplant is a far more common and straightforward procedure. In this procedure, the not-working or poorly working heart of the patient is replaced with the healthy heart of a deceased donor. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. The patient is connected with the heart and lungs bypass machine to continue the work of the heart and lungs while the surgeon removes the sick heart and replaces it with a healthy donor heart. And then again join the transplanted heart to the body.

A Comparison of The Heart Transplant Surgery Cost

The average cost of heart transplant surgery is higher in Western countries. A cost comparison table will help you to know different costs in different countries and cost-saving opportunities.

Country Average Cost Of Heart Transplant Surgery
India $9,400 - $23,500
USA $1,400,000 onwards
Singapore $300,000 - $600,000 $20,000
Europe $50,000 - $96,000

Factors that Influence the Cost of Heart Transplant Surgery

Heart transplant costs are different everywhere. Several factors influence the average cost of heart transplant surgery. Here we will discuss the factors that influence the cost of heart transplants-

Type of surgery:

The type of heart transplant surgery you are going to get has a huge impact on the overall cost of your heart transplant surgery. For example, an orthopedic heart transplant is common and less complex than a heterotopic transplant. As a result, it costs less than heterotopic transplant surgery.

Age of the patient:

The cost of a heart transplant also depends on the age of the patient. The risk of a heart transplant increases with age so does the cost. That is why a senior patient's heart transplant usually costs more than a younger patient.

Donor fee:

The fee or charge of the donor's heart also plays a crucial role in determining the transplant surgery cost. The cost of a donor's heart varies from one place to another depending on the ability of the donor and the donor's heart health.

Pre-surgery tests and diagnosis:

One has to do several tests and diagnosis before undergoing a heart transplant. These tests are expensive and directly influence your overall treatment cost.

Surgeon’s fee:

A heart transplant surgeon with years of experience and expertise in heart transplant at both national and international levels will charge more than others. Explore the best cardiac surgeon in India with CureIndia.

Duration of hospital stay:

The duration of your stay in the hospital also plays a crucial role in your overall cost of a heart transplant. So, if you need to stay longer than usual you have to pay more. There are several best heart hospitals in India.

Aftercare services:

Heart Transplant is a major surgery that requires quality aftercare. The aftercare services also add up to your treatment cost.

Hospital reputation and Location of treatment:

The reputation of your hospital and the location or city you choose for your heart transplant can also impact your overall treatment cost.

Heart Transplant FAQs

Is a heart transplant a major surgery?

Yes, a heart transplant is a major surgery that takes several hours. Always choose a healthcare provider that can offer advanced infrastructure and expert surgeons for the surgery.

What is the average cost of heart transplant surgery in India?

The average heart transplant cost in India depends on factors like hospital charges, location, surgeon’s fee and other medical expenses. Consult with your healthcare provider for an accurate cost estimation.

How long does a heart transplant surgery take?

It depends on the seriousness of the case. Generally, a heart transplant can be performed in less than 4 hours. But complicated cases can take up to 8 to 9 hours.

What is the success rate of heart transplant surgery?

The success rate of heart transplant surgery depends on various factors like age, medical history and other compliance. Also, one should maintain a healthy lifestyle to get the best outcomes.

Who is eligible for heart transplants?

Eligibility for a heart transplant includes various factors. Some of the most important are; one should be less than 60 years old, one should be diagnosed with an end-stage heart disease, one should not have other serious medical issues etc.

What is the recovery period after a heart transplant surgery?

The initial recovery period after a heart transplant is 1 to 2 months. However, complete healing may take up to 3 to 6 months depending on age, related complications and other factors.