Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Pediatric Cardiac Surgery


Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in Turkey: Costs, Top Doctors & VISA-Guide

Heart diseases are often considered a problem for adults, but congenital heart defects (CHDs) are among the most common birth anomalies affecting children. While some heart defects resolve naturally, others might require surgery. Pediatric heart surgery refers to surgical procedures that are performed to correct congenital or acquired heart conditions in children. With proper surgical management, many of these conditions can be successfully treated 

Thanks to advanced cardiac surgery procedures in Turkey, children with CHDs can now receive world-class treatment at affordable prices and go on to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Pediatric cardiac surgery in Turkey is known for its specialised cardiac care and high success rates. Performed by the best paediatric cardiac surgeons in Turkey, who tailor each surgery to the child’s specific needs, the procedures are advanced and result-orientated. These delicate and highly specialised surgeries require precision, experience, and state-of-the-art facilities to ensure proper blood flow and healthy development.

If you are considering availing yourself of pediatric cardiac surgery in Turkey, CureTurkey can help connect you with the leading hospitals in Turkey, which are JCI-accredited with years of experience. Turkey offers high-quality, cost-effective surgical care, performed by skilled surgeons using advanced medical infrastructure. From newborns to adolescents, pediatric patients of all ages can receive the most 

What are the Indications for Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in Turkey? 

Paediatric cardiac surgery in Turkey is a surgical procedure done on infants, children, or teenagers to correct congenital or acquired heart defects. These procedures can range from small catheter-based procedures to open-heart surgeries, and their use depends on the nature and severity of the defect.

The good news is that pediatric cardiac surgery in Turkey is performed by highly experienced and internationally trained cardiac surgeons who specialise in treating complex cases. Your child’s heart receives the focused attention and specialised care it deserves, with leading hospitals in cities such as Antalya, Izmir, and Istanbul offering advanced medical facilities and excellent care.

However, you don’t need to worry because the cardiac surgery procedures in Turkey are performed by our most famous cardiac surgeons, who are experienced in handling complex cases. Your child’s heart deserves full attention and special care, and the top Turkish hospitals in Antalya, Izmir, and Istanbul ensure that.

Your child can require heart surgery if they are diagnosed with any of the following conditions:

  • They have a hole in their heart that isn't sealing by itself.
  • Their heart valves or blood vessels are deformed.
  • Their heart is not pumping blood well.
  • There's a block in the blood flow.

Always remember that early intervention and timely diagnosis can enhance your children's survival rate and quality of life. Hence, if you notice any of the following symptoms, consult a pediatric cardiologist immediately: 

  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Unusual tiredness 
  • Bluish discoloration of the lips and fingertips 
  • Swelling of the legs and feet. 
  • Chest pain 
  • Irregular heartbeats 
  • Fainting spells 

Even when your child seems to be doing well, make sure to maintain a regular follow-up visit with the physician. This allows for early detection of defects in infants and timely treatment if needed. 

What are the Different Types of Procedures for Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in Turkey?

While some defects of the heart that occur at birth are minor and never trigger symptoms or need treatments, others might turn out to be fatal and can require immediate surgical intervention. Given below are some of the common paediatric cardiac surgeries in Turkey: 

■ Atrial Septal Defect Repair:

An ASD is a hole in the wall that separates the upper chambers of the heart. While small ASDs can close spontaneously, the larger defects can cause symptoms such as fatigue and respiratory infections and need to be surgically closed. This surgery is mainly done before a child reaches his school age. During the surgical procedure, the hole is closed with a non-surgical catheter-based device or by open-heart surgery. The method primarily depends on the size and location of the defect. Most children undergoing this surgery fully recover post-surgery and lead an active and everyday life. 

■ Ventricular Septal Defect Repair:

VSD is a hole in the septum between the heart’s lower chambers that can lead to symptoms such as rapid breathing, poor feeding, and slow growth. Doctors usually recommend surgery for this disease within the first year of the infant’s life. Open heart surgery is one of the most common cardiac surgery procedures that doctors perform to cover the hole with a patch. The success rate of this surgical procedure is high, and most children go on to lead a healthy life after the treatment. 

■ Tetralogy of Fallot Repair:

TOF is a multifactorial heart defect that consists of four abnormalities, namely  VSD, pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, and an overriding aorta. While the severe cases of this defect require a surgical intervention right after the birth, others might need complete correction during the first 6 to 12 months of their life. This pediatric cardiac surgery in Turkey involves closing the VSD and relieving the obstruction to ensure proper blood flow to the pulmonary artery. With appropriate follow-up, the long-term outcomes of this treatment are excellent. 

■ Patent Ductus Arteriosus Ligation:

PDA is a condition where a foetal blood vessel fails to close after birth. This is common in premature infants and can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing or signs of heart failure. However, small PDAs can easily be closed with medication. If the medication fails to produce positive results, a catheter procedure or surgical ligation is done. Most children recover soon after the treatment, eliminating the need for further surgical intervention. 

■ Arterial Switch Operation:

TGA is a critical congenital condition where the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed, disrupting normal blood circulation. If your infant is born with TGA, they might require corrective surgery within the first two weeks of life. An arterial switch operation is a pediatric cardiac surgery in Turkey that is performed to reverse the arteries back into their proper positions and reattach the coronary arteries. With prompt medical intervention, children with TGA can expect to live active and healthy lives with appropriate follow-ups and medical care. 

What is the Step-by-step Procedure for a Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in Turkey?

Each pediatric cardiac surgery in Turkey is carefully customised based on the child’s specific heart defect, age, and health. The procedures are performed at the best pediatric heart surgery hospitals in Turkey, through advanced technology and methods. The steps followed for pediatric heart surgery procedures are:

1. Atrial Septal Defect Repair:

  • Step 1: The Child is placed under general anesthesia.
  • Step 2: For this procedure, either the chest is opened through an open-heart surgery or a catheter is inserted for device closure.
  • Step 3: Cardiopulmonary bypass is used (for open surgery).
  • Step 4: The hole is then closed using a patch or device.
  • Step 5: Heart function is restored and the chest is closed.
  • Step 6: Child is monitored in ICU post-surgery.

2. Ventricular Septal Defect Repair:

  • Step 1: General anesthesia is administered.
  • Step 2: Surgeon opens the chest and connects the child to a heart-lung machine.
  • Step 3: The heart is stopped temporarily for a bloodless field.
  • Step 4: The VSD is closed using a synthetic patch or stitches.
  • Step 5: The Heart is restarted and the chest is closed.
  • Step 6: ICU monitoring follows for recovery.

3. Tetralogy of Fallot Repair:

  • Step 1: General anesthesia is administered.
  • Step 2: Chest is opened and heart-lung bypass is initiated.
  • Step 3: The VSD is then closed with a patch.
  • Step 4: Pulmonary valve or artery is widened or replaced to improve blood flow.
  • Step 5: Muscle thickening is trimmed if needed.
  • Step 6: Heart function is restored and the chest is closed.
  • Step 7: Post-op monitoring in pediatric cardiac ICU.

4. Patent Ductus Arteriosus Ligation:

  • Step 1: Child is placed under general or local anaesthesia in some catheter cases.
  • Step 2: A small incision is made near the rib cage or a catheter is inserted.
  • Step 3: The PDA is tied off or closed with a coil.
  • Step 4: Incision is closed or the catheter is removed.
  • Step 5: Child is monitored briefly in recovery or ICU.

5. Arterial Switch Operation:

  • Step 1: General anesthesia is administered.
  • Step 2: Chest is opened and heart-lung bypass is started.
  • Step 3: Aorta and pulmonary artery are disconnected and switched.
  • Step 4: Coronary arteries are reattached to the new aorta.
  • Step 5: Blood flow is restored, and the heart is restarted.
  • Step 6: Chest is closed and the child is taken to ICU for intensive monitoring.

How is Recovery After Pediatric Heart Surgery in Turkey?

Recovery after pediatric heart surgery in Turkey is a gradual process that involves hospital care, home recovery, and long-term follow-up. While the specifics can vary depending on the type and complexity of the surgery, here’s how the recovery timeline looks:

  • Hospital stays: Most children remain hospitalised for 5-7 days following the surgery. Before releasing them, you will be given proper instructions regarding their medication regimen and diet. 
  • Home Recovery: Feeling completely recovered might take the time of around 4 to 6 weeks. During the initial stages after the operation, your child might feel fatigued and require assistance with activities. They will gradually regain their strength as they heal. 
  • Follow-up: The complicated defects require lifetime follow-ups by expert cardiologists. Some children might need additional procedures during their growth period. 

Why Opt for Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in Turkey? 

Are you concerned about your child’s heart health? Turkey offers world-class cardiac care by the best pediatric cardiac surgeons and internationally accredited hospitals that provide comprehensive care at an affordable cost.

Turkish clinics in cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya boast top-notch medical facilities accompanied by advanced technology, which helps them deliver high success rates in cardiac treatments. Some of the additional benefits that you can access by choosing pediatric cardiac surgery in Turkey are: 

  • Top clinics specialising in pediatric cardiology
  • JCI-accredited hospitals 
  • High success rates in pediatric cardiac treatments 
  • Reviews from international patients 
  • Comprehensive patient care
  • All-inclusive treatment packages for international patients
  • Short waiting times 
  • Affordable & transparent treatment costs

Every parent wants the best possible heart care for their child, which is easily achievable through safe procedures, excellent outcomes, and access to highly qualified specialists. At the same time, cost is a practical consideration. Istanbul offers world-class pediatric cardiac surgery at a fraction of the cost when compared to countries like the UK, USA, and Australia, all without compromising on quality.

Thanks to Turkey’s favourable exchange rate, lower cost of living, and efficient healthcare infrastructure, families can benefit from high-quality medical care while significantly reducing expenses.

For example, the cost of pediatric heart surgeries in the USA and UK can be 60-70% higher than the same procedure in Istanbul. Our state-of-the-art hospitals offer advanced surgical care options in internationally accredited facilities and experienced pediatric cardiac surgeons, making Istanbul a top destination for medical travel.

Country Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Cost
Turkey €7,000 - €10,000
Europe €18,000 - €25,000
UK €25,000 - €35,000
USA €40,000 - €55,000

Istanbul is a magnificent city that bridges Europe and Asia, offering ancient heritage and modern life, all in one city. As one of the most visited cities in the world, Istanbul attracts international visitors year-round, drawn by its cultural richness, historic landmarks, and world-class healthcare services. Istanbul Airport is the busiest airport in Turkey and one of the largest in Europe; it is located approximately 40 km from the city centre and offers direct international connections to hundreds of destinations.

For those planning a trip to Turkey, Istanbul is a top choice, especially for medical travel. Patients coming for treatment, including pediatric cardiac surgery, will need to apply for a Turkish medical visa. CureTurkey offers comprehensive assistance during the visa application process, ensuring accurate and efficient completion. Here are some points to consider while applying for a Turkish medical visa.

  • In addition to a valid visa, you must be travelling specifically for medical treatment. You should also have a valid passport and travel health insurance.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 180 days beyond your intended travel date.
  • Ensure your passport has enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
  • It’s recommended to apply for a medical visa at least one month in advance.

Citizens of various European countries do not need a visa to visit Turkey. Many European nationals are eligible for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival, allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul attracts travellers of every kind. With its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and scenic waterfronts, the city offers something for everyone, from history lovers and culture enthusiasts to foodies and explorers. If you're visiting Istanbul for pediatric cardiac surgery, here are some must-see places to explore during your stay:

  • Hagia Sophia
  • Topkapi Palace
  • Sultan Ahmed Mosque
  • Grand Bazaar
  • Basilica Cistern
  • Galata Tower
  • Dolmabahçe Palace
  • Bosphorus Cruise

Not sure where to begin or what to see first? Don't worry! Even if you haven’t finalised your sightseeing plans, you can easily explore Istanbul after arriving for your medical treatment.

Turkey provides a significant cost advantage, unlike Western nations like the USA, which charges $50,000 to $150,000 per pediatric cardiac procedure, and the UK, which costs around $40,000 to $100,000. You can access the same quality treatment in Turkey at half the price, which will range from around $10,000 to $25,000.

Pediatric heart surgery patients are generally fully recovered and can participate in sports, go to school, etc, within 4-5 weeks after the surgery. Note that lifelong follow-ups are sometimes necessary to ensure the efficacy of the treatment.

International patients travelling to Turkey for treatments often highlight the compassionate approach and personalised care they receive from the skilled staff members and caregivers in Turkish hospitals. This makes Turkey one of the most reliable and safest places for cardiac treatments.

Success rates for pediatric cardiac surgery in Turkey exceed 90%, thanks to experienced surgeons and advanced facilities provided by Turkish clinics in cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya.
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