Open heart surgery is a life-saving medical procedure that is used to treat critical heart conditions. It remains one of the most effective treatments for a number of cardiac diseases. Yet many people are apprehensive about what the process entails. While the idea of open-heart surgery can evoke fear and uncertainty, it has long been considered the gold standard for treating complex heart problems. Despite the growing popularity of minimally invasive techniques, traditional open-heart surgery continues to offer unmatched effectiveness in many critical cases.
Around 2 million people worldwide undergo open-heart surgery each year, which often marks the beginning of a healthier life. In current times, open heart surgery in Turkey has become one of the most preferred choices for patients seeking advanced, reliable, and cost-effective cardiac care. From top open heart surgery hospitals to advanced cardiac surgery procedures, Turkish cities like Antalya, Ankara, Izmir, and Istanbul offer it all. Turkish Our Cardiac hospitals in Turkey are highly accredited and committed to delivering exceptional treatment standards with state-of-the-art medical facilities. They are equipped with advanced technology and boast high open-heart surgery success rates, making Turkey the best option for international patients seeking cost-effective care without compromising quality. This comprehensive page will be your all-inclusive guide to everything you need to know before undergoing open heart surgery in Turkey.
Open heart surgery in Turkey is typically recommended to patients whose hearts can no longer pump blood efficiently, especially when medications or other procedures, such as angioplasty, are no longer viable treatment options. This type of surgery is considered when the heart condition has severely impaired the patient’s quality of life or has progressed to a fatal point. When your heart condition is severe and the heart fails to deliver an adequate supply of oxygenated blood to the body, there might be specific symptoms like:
These symptoms are indications of the seriousness of an underlying cardiac problem. However, some of the most common reasons for open heart surgery include:
Turkey offers a wide range of cardiac surgery procedures, each tailored to treat specific heart conditions. Below are some of the most commonly performed open heart surgery in Turkey:
This is one of the most common and traditional methods of open heart surgery in Turkey. This surgical procedure involves using a blood vessel from another body part, typically from the leg, arm, or chest. This blood vessel is further used to bypass a blocked artery. This open-heart surgery helps restore blood flow to the heart muscle and reduces the risk of heart attacks.
This surgical procedure helps in addressing issues with the heart’s valves, which ensure one-way blood flow through the heart. Valve repair techniques are used to restore the function of the existing valve. In cases where repair is not feasible, valve replacement is performed using either mechanical or biological (tissue) valves.
Aortic surgery is one of the cardiac surgery procedures that helps repair and replace sections of the aorta that have weakened due to aneurysms or other conditions. Undergoing this critical surgery can aid you in preventing life-threatening complications such as aortic rupture.
This type of surgical procedure involves correcting structural abnormalities in the heart that are congenital or present at birth. This cardiac surgery procedure is usually performed on infants and children but can also help treat congenital disabilities in adults.
Heart transplant surgery is opted for chiefly in cases where there is severe heart failure or irreversible heart damage. Experienced cardiac surgeons perform this surgery by replacing the diseased heart with a healthy donor heart. You can consider this procedure as your final option when all other procedures have failed to produce positive outcomes.
Understanding the steps involved in open-heart surgery can help demystify the process and ease some of the anxiety associated with undergoing it. Below is a general step-by-step outline of how an open heart surgery in Turkey is performed:
The open heart surgery recovery process requires time, patience and adherence to instructions provided by the doctors following the release. Here’s what you can expect during the recovery phase:
Post surgery, you will likely spend a day or two in the ICU, followed by 5–7 days in the hospital. You may experience pain and discomfort during the initial healing stages, which you can manage by taking the prescribed drugs and pain medications. As your condition stabilises, drainage tubes and monitoring equipment will be removed. The medical team will closely monitor your vital signs and recovery progress before you're cleared for discharge.
The full recovery can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the age, health of the individual, and the surgical procedure performed. Activities like heavy lifting, driving, and strenuous exercise are restricted during this period. Cardiac rehabilitation programmes might also be recommended to you to help you regain strength and confidence.
Long-term success after open-heart surgery requires ongoing care. Regular follow-up visits with your cardiologist are important for monitoring your heart function, managing medications, and addressing any complications early on. Lead a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and stress management, to speed up your open heart surgery recovery.
By choosing to undergo open heart surgery in Turkey, you can access top open heart surgery hospitals. By choosing Turkey for your treatment, you can get treatments from the top ten heart surgeons worldwide, with impressive success rates in performing surgical procedures.
Open heart surgery in Turkey is a cost-effective alternative to the high prices seen in countries like the UK or the US. On average, the procedure costs between €9,000 and €15,000 in Turkey, while the same surgery can range from €30,000 to €45,000 in the UK and even more in the United States.
This price in Turkey includes the surgery itself, anaesthesia, hospital stay, surgeon fees, pre-surgery tests, and follow-up care. Many hospitals also provide postoperative medications and rehabilitation support as part of the package.
Despite the lower cost, patients receive world-class treatment from experienced cardiac surgeons in internationally accredited hospitals. With modern facilities, short waiting times, and comprehensive care, Turkey has become a preferred destination for cost-effective and high-quality open heart surgery.
| Country | Open Heart Surgery Cost |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €9,000 - €15,000 |
| Europe | €25,000 - €40,000 |
| UK | €30,000 - €45,000 |
| USA | €35,000 - €60,000 |
Istanbul is often the top choice for patients coming to Turkey for medical treatment. As Turkey’s largest city and a major economic hub, it offers world-class hospitals, highly experienced surgeons, and easy international access through Turkey’s busiest airport. Its rich history and cultural landmarks also make recovery in Istanbul a good experience.
If you're travelling for open-heart surgery, you will need a Turkish medical visa. To travel for open-heart surgery in Istanbul, a medical visa may be required. CureTurkey offers a step-by-step visa assistance guide to help patients through the process. The following should be considered before applying:
However, citizens of many European countries can enter Turkey without a visa or obtain one on arrival for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, as noted by the European Travel Association.
Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, offers much more than just top-notch medical care. Its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking architecture make it an ideal place for recovery and relaxation. Whether you're interested in ancient landmarks, peaceful surroundings, or authentic local experiences, Istanbul has something for everyone.
If you're planning to undergo open-heart surgery in Istanbul, here are a few must-see locations you might consider visiting during your recovery period:
Don’t worry if you're unsure where to begin or what’s suitable during recovery. Our clinics and patient coordinators can help you arrange a gentle and flexible itinerary tailored to your needs while you’re in Istanbul for your open-heart surgery.
