Mitral valve repair surgery is an open-heart procedure that surgically corrects problems related to the mitral valve, which is a door that helps connect your heart’s left atrium and left ventricle. When the valve becomes severely leaky or narrowed, mitral valve replacement open-heart surgery becomes necessary to restore proper blood flow and help patients live longer and healthier lives. The more you delay the treatment of this problem, the worse it becomes, damaging your heart over time and even turning the condition into a fatal disease.
Your heart valves work tirelessly to keep blood moving smoothly through its four chambers. But when the mitral valve fails to function properly, the heart and lungs can become damaged over time. In such cases, mitral valve repair surgery, or in some situations, valve replacement, is the best option for a healthier heart function. While the idea of open-heart surgery can feel daunting, understanding the procedure can make it less overwhelming and more reassuring.
But the problem with availing major cardiac procedures in Turkey is the long waiting time of more than one year in countries like the USA, UK and other European countries. This waiting time can be a question of life and death for some patients, and if we keep aside the waiting time, you will find that the costs of the procedure are also expensive. In search of more cost-effective treatments, then, patients from these countries usually choose Turkey for its high-quality and cost-effective cardiac procedures with zero waiting times. Turkey houses some of the best mitral valve repair surgeons and the top heart transplant hospitals. In Turkey, you can also access quality treatment at half the price available in the UK, USA, and Australia, making your treatment journey complete, affordable, and stress-free. This page will clear up all your doubts on the mitral valve replacement surgery in Turkey, the best doctors and comprehensive cost-effective packages.
Mitral valve replacement is an open heart surgical procedure where damaged or malfunctioning mitral valve is replaced with a mechanical or biological prosthesis. Still, whenever possible, mitral valve repair is preferred to replacement, since it preserves the natural valve, has lesser risks of prosthetic valves, and leads to better results. Replacement is generally reserved for valves that cannot be repaired.
Following are some of the indications for minimally invasive mitral valve repair or replacement surgery:
You can be the ideal candidate for mitral valve replacement open-heart surgery if you have the following conditions:
Before you undergo mitral valve repair surgery in Turkey, our surgeons will assess and evaluate your health condition to determine which valve will be repaired. They discuss the technique best suited for repair and the method to access the mitral valve.
There are several techniques that can treat mitral valve stenosis and insufficiency. While some cases may require open-heart mitral valve replacement, many can be managed with minimally invasive or reconstructive procedures. The different procedures for mitral valve repair surgery in Turkey are:
Balloon Valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive technique, which can be performed even before the onset of the symptoms. A catheter with an inflatable balloon is inserted through a blood vessel and guided to the heart in this procedure. Once in position at the mitral valve, the balloon is inflated to widen the valve opening and improve the blood flow. This procedure is quick and carries fewer risks and complications.
The mitral valve clip is a modern, catheter-based repair technique used for patients with severe mitral regurgitation who are not eligible for open-heart surgery. For this procedure, a catheter with a clip at its tip is inserted through a vein and guided to the mitral valve. The clip then connects the two mitral leaflets in the centre, which then reduces backflow and improves valve function.
Chordal Replacement involves replacing damaged or stretched chordae tendineae with artificial tendons made from non-absorbable Gore-Tex material. This procedure is especially ideal for treating mitral valve leaflet prolapse.
An alternative method involves transferring healthy tendons along with a portion of the associated posterior leaflet from a normal segment to the affected area of the anterior leaflet. The edges of the posterior leaflet are then reattached. Both these procedures offer excellent long-term benefits.
In triangular resection of the Mitral Valve Leaflet, a triangular section of the prolapsed or damaged posterior mitral leaflet is resected. The remaining edges are then sutured together to restore proper leaflet function. This is ideal for patients experiencing posterior leaflet prolapse.
Similar to triangular resection, here a wider portion of the posterior mitral leaflet is resected from the free edge all the way to the valve annulus. This technique is used in more complex or advanced cases of posterior leaflet prolapse.
Annuloplasty is an important part of almost all mitral valve repair surgeries in Turkey. In this procedure, the annulus is reinforced and tightened. A ring made of fabric, tissue, or metal is attached to reshape the valve and stabilise it. Annuloplasty helps restore the valve's original size and ensures that the leaflets close properly in order to ensure durability after the repair.
A mitral valve repair surgery in Turkey is performed utilising the following steps:
The healing period after a mitral valve repair surgery in Turkey involves healing, rehabilitation, and adjusting to the changes in your cardiovascular system. After a few days post-surgery, you can start walking to prevent clots and boost circulation. You will need to perform breathing exercises to keep your lungs clear and prevent the onset of infections. It’s important to keep the surgical wound clean and dry and to take all prescribed medications exactly as instructed by your doctors. Avoid lifting heavy weights or performing strenuous activities during the early recovery period. While the dosages of drugs can change over time, you will need to maintain a proper liquid diet and then eventually progress towards solid foods.
Turkey has some of the top heart transplant hospitals that provide affordable treatment without compromising on treatment quality. With the support of advanced infrastructure and the best mitral valve repair surgeons, Turkish hospitals deliver high success rates in mitral valve replacement open-heart surgery that go as high as 91 %. The best Turkish clinics pair up with CureTurkey to connect international patients with top surgeons and modern hospitals while ensuring safe and effective valve replacement treatment. By visiting Turkey, you can access all-inclusive packages provided by Turkish hospitals, making treatment affordable and stress-free for patients travelling to Turkey from abroad.
If you’re needing affordable mitral valve repair surgery, Turkey is an excellent choice thanks to its combination of competitive pricing and expert cardiac surgeons. The lower costs in Turkey mainly stem from reduced living expenses and operational costs, along with substantial government investment in the healthcare sector, which supports advanced medical services at accessible prices for international patients.
The cost of mitral valve repair in Turkey varies based on factors such as the type of surgery (traditional open-heart or minimally invasive), surgeon expertise, and hospital facilities. Generally, prices for mitral heart valve repair range from €10,000 to €16,000, covering surgeon fees, hospital stay, and follow-up care. By comparison, the same procedure in countries like the UK, USA, or Western Europe typically costs between €30,000 and €60,000, allowing patients to save up to 60% or more by opting for treatment in Turkey.
Turkey offers a variety of mitral valve repair techniques, from conventional open-heart surgery to minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques. Companies like CureTurkey provide comprehensive packages for international patients, which include everything from initial consultation and surgery to post-operative care and accommodation. This comprehensiveness makes Turkey a highly attractive and cost-effective country for mitral valve repair without compromising on quality or safety.
| Country | Mitral Valve Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €10,000 - €16,000 |
| Europe | €30,000 - €50,000 |
| UK | €35,000 - €55,000 |
| USA | €40,000 - €60,000 |
Istanbul should be your top city in Turkey for mitral valve surgery. As the largest city in Europe and the economic hub of Turkey, Istanbul is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the country’s busiest international airport. Its rich culture, historic landmarks, and world-class healthcare facilities attract thousands of medical tourists each year.
To travel to Istanbul for mitral valve surgery, international patients may need to obtain a medical visa. CureTurkey offers a free, step-by-step guide to help you through the Turkish medical visa application process. However, before applying, be sure to consider the following:
According to the European Travel Association, citizens of many European countries can enter Turkey without a visa. For others, a visa on arrival is available, allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, making travel for mitral valve surgery smooth and accessible for most European patients.
Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, offers history, culture, cuisine, and vibrant city life. From its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and bustling bazaars to breathtaking architecture and scenic views, Istanbul has something for every visitor. If you're considering mitral valve surgery in Turkey, take some time to explore these must-see attractions during your recovery or downtime:
Not sure where to begin or how to make the most of your stay? Don’t worry, once you arrive in Istanbul for your mitral valve surgery, you can easily plan your itinerary and enjoy the best the city has to offer at your own pace.
Medicana International Istanbul 
