Ventricular Septal Defect

Ventricular Septal Defect


Ventricular Septal Defect Treatment in Turkey: Cost & VISA Assistance

Ventricular septal defect repair is a critical treatment procedure for patients with a significant hole between the heart’s ventricles. When left untreated, this defect can lead to severe complications, such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and irreversible lung damage. The goal of a ventricular septal defect treatment in Turkey is to close the defect, restore normal blood flow, and prevent further strain on the heart. This way, the patient can enjoy a better quality of life and improved cardiovascular health. 

However, ventricular septal defect repair treatment can be expensive in Western countries like the USA, the UK, Singapore, and Australia. On the other hand, the same treatment in Turkey can cost much less without compromising on quality. Turkish medical hospitals with CureTurkey are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and advanced infrastructure to produce impressive success rates in cardiac treatments. 

Furthermore, if you are an international patient travelling to Turkey for ventricular septal defect repair, you can get in touch with CureTurkey and access all-inclusive treatment packages provided by the Turkish hospitals. These packages mostly include travel, accommodations, language assistance, and hospital stays, making ventricular septal defect treatment in Turkey a stress-free and reliable option for international patients seeking quality cardiac care.

What are the Indications for Ventricular Septal Defect Treatment in Turkey? 

Adults with VSD might experience ventricular septal defect symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, or heart palpitations, which are indications for ventricular septal defect repair and closure. While some VSDs are small and close up spontaneously over time without the need for any treatment, others are large and require medical intervention.  The need for treatment depends on the size, location, and severity of the defect.

If left untreated, a moderate to large VSD can lead to complications involving both the heart and lungs. While minor defects cause no noticeable symptoms, larger defects present with more severe indications, particularly in infants and children. These include:

  • Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing in the child, especially during feeding or play
  • Failure to grow at an appropriate weight in newborn babies
  • Fatigue & getting easily tired during feeding or activity in young children
  • Frequent respiratory infections, including pneumonia
  • Large VSDs > 1 cm in diameter
  • Significant left-to-right shunting
  • Symptoms of heart failure, failure to thrive, or recurrent respiratory infections
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Associated cardiac anomalies

While surgical intervention is often the most preferred treatment option for VSDs, some patients can also be eligible for less-invasive transcatheter closure. It is a minimally invasive procedure where a device is deployed through a catheter to close the defective area. However, this approach is mainly recommended for patients with smaller VSDs or those with specific anatomical characteristics.

What are the Options for Ventricular Septal Defect Treatment in Turkey? 

Your doctor will evaluate and assess your condition to determine the proper treatment procedure based on the size and symptoms of the defect. Small VSDs tend to naturally close over time and might not cause any symptoms. However, larger VSDs or those causing symptoms might need ventricular septal defect treatment in Turkey. Here are some treatment options for ventricular septal defect repair: 

■ Medications:

If your VSD is causing heart failure, you might be prescribed medications to manage your ventricular septal defect symptoms. Medications that consist of diuretics (to decrease fluid buildup), ACE inhibitors (to lower blood pressure), and digoxin (to improve heart function) can be ideal to manage these types of situations before surgical intervention but should not be consumed without a doctor’s prescription. 

■ Surgical Repair:

Surgical repair may be the only option if the VSD is large and causing severe symptoms. Open-heart surgery is performed to close the defect using a patch in such cases. During the procedure, a heart-lung machine temporarily takes over your heart's function. Once the patch is deployed at the correct position, it is disconnected to resume the natural heart functions. An open-heart surgery is typically very successful, and most patients recover fully after the procedure.

■ Cardiac Catheterisation:

In cases of minor VSDs, doctors tend to recommend a less invasive procedure called cardiac catheterisation. During this procedure, a device is placed at the site of the defect using a catheter to close the hole. This option is usually considered for older children and adults with suitable VSD anatomy.  

■ Observation:

In cases where the VSD is small and not causing symptoms, the expert surgeons in Turkey recommend watchful waiting, especially in infants, as many VSDs close on their own as the child grows.

What are the Steps for Ventricular Septal Defect Treatment in Turkey?

Top cardiac hospitals with CureTurkey provide comprehensive patient care, personalised treatment plans, and international patient support programmes. Here are the steps taken while performing ventricular septal defect treatment in Turkey:

  • Step 1: Preparation: Before the surgery, you will be placed under general anaesthesia and positioned on the operating table to ensure that the treatment is pain-free and comfortable. 
  • Step 2: Incision and Exposure: Your surgeon will perform a median sternotomy to access the heart.
  • Step 3: Cardiopulmonary Bypass: You will be further connected to a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machine, which will temporarily take over the function of your heart and lungs during the surgical procedure. 
  • Step 4: Right Atriotomy: An incision will be made in the right atrium with precision to access the VSD.
  • Step 5: VSD Closure: Once the defect is identified, a patch is sutured or glued over the opening to close the defect. 
  • Step 6: Closure and Weaning from CPB: After the right atriotomy is closed, you will be weaned from CPB to resume the natural activity of your heart and lungs. 

How is Recovery After Ventricular Septal Defect Treatment in Turkey?

After the ventricular septal defect treatment in Turkey, you will be kept under medical supervision and monitoring to ensure optimal response and outcome of the treatment. Immediately following surgery, you can expect to stay in the intensive care unit for 1-2 days for continuous observation. Most patients are discharged from the hospital within 5 to 7 days, depending on their condition and response to treatment.

  • Pain management with medication
  • Monitoring of vital signs and cardiac function
  • Gradual mobilisation and rehabilitation
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgical team

Pain management is a crucial aspect of postoperative care. You will be prescribed a combination of medications, including opioids and non-opioid analgesics, to manage pain and discomfort during the initial stages after your ventricular septal defect repair. You must attend the follow-up appointments where your progress will be monitored and your medication regimen will be adjusted for long-term care. 

Why Opt for Ventricular Septal Defect Treatment in Turkey? 

Turkey has emerged as one of the leading destinations for medical tourism due to factors like JCI-accredited hospitals, internationally trained surgeons, and advanced medical equipment that produce impressive efficacy rates in cardiac treatments. Also, the cost advantage in Turkey is significant compared to Western countries like the UK, the USA, and Australia. 

The cost of ventricular septal defect treatment in Turkey typically ranges from $9,900 to $12,100, which is half of what it costs in the USA and the UK. By travelling to Turkey for treatments, you can further access attractive medical packages at Turkish hospitals in cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir. The benefits of choosing Turkey for ventricular septal defect repair are: 

  • Excellent medical care and surgeon expertise
  • Affordable treatment and flexible payment options
  • High success rates and patient satisfaction
  • Comprehensive medical care packages 
  • Shorter waiting times and timely intervention 
  • Medical care combined with tourism

When it comes to high-quality medical care at an affordable price, Istanbul has become the top city for ventricular septal defect treatment in Turkey. One of the key reasons is that medical labour, hospital services, and operational costs in Turkey are lower than those in many Western countries, without compromising the quality of care.

For example, VSD surgery in the US or the UK can cost between €20,000 and €60,000, depending on the complexity and hospital. In contrast, the same procedure in Istanbul ranges from €6,000 to €10,000, even when performed at internationally accredited hospitals using advanced cardiac technologies.

These savings can be attributed to lower labour and medical staff costs in Turkey, more cost-efficient hospital operations, government support for medical tourism, and high competition among top-tier hospitals.

Country Ventricular Septal Defect Treatment Cost
Turkey €6,000 - €10,000
Europe €25,000 - €45,000
UK €20,000 - €50,000
USA €30,000 - €60,000

Istanbul is the country's largest and most culturally important city, serving as a hub between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. With two international airports, the city is easily accessible from nearly anywhere in the world. This convenient connectivity makes Istanbul a top country for medical travellers seeking high-quality and affordable care, including ventricular septal defect treatment.

If you're planning to travel for ventricular septal defect treatment in India, you might need to apply for a Turkish medical visa. Below are important guidelines and requirements to help you prepare for your trip:

  • A valid passport, which must be valid for at least 180 days beyond your intended stay in Turkey.
  • Travel insurance covering the duration of your trip.
  • A medical visa (if applicable, based on your nationality and length of stay.

Some nationalities, including British citizens, can visit Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, even if a visa is not required, patients should still carry a valid passport and travel insurance and may need to show proof of medical treatment upon entry.

While Istanbul is a leading country for advanced ventricular septal defect treatment, it also offers an opportunity to experience a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Turkey is world-renowned not only for its medical excellence but also for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant urban life, and deep-rooted heritage.

Patients visiting Istanbul for VSD treatment can enjoy peaceful recovery time while exploring the city’s iconic sights, many of which are the perfect mix of Eastern and Western influences.

While your primary goal is medical care, your stay in Istanbul can also be enriching and relaxing. Here are some must-see destinations in Istanbul:

  • Hagia Sophia
  • Basilica Cistern
  • Sultan-Ahmed-Moschee
  • Gülhane Park 
  • Süleymaniye Mosque
  • Topkapi Palace
  • Dolmabahçe Palace
  • Bosphorus Strait

If you haven’t finalised your itinerary, don’t worry, as many patients prefer to plan light sightseeing after arriving in Istanbul, once their medical schedule is confirmed.

The cost of ventricular septal defect repair in Turkey might vary depending on several factors, including the type and severity of the condition, treatment techniques chosen, the healthcare facility's location, and its reputation. However, compared to Western countries, the cost of cardiac treatments in Turkey is 70-80% lower.

Recovery time after VSD surgery varies depending on the type of procedure (surgical vs. catheter-based) and the patient's age and overall health. After the surgical closure of the VSD, you might have to stay at the hospital for about 5-7 days. You can expect full recovery within a month or two.

Other treatment options include open-heart surgery and catheter-based procedures to close the hole in the heart. Also, VSDs have been known to close over time or become insignificant in size, which eliminates the need for surgical treatments.

For a short time after the procedure, your child might need regular checkups by a cardiologist. After that, your child will need to see a cardiologist only now and then for medication adjustments. There won't be any limitations on activities once the patient has fully recovered from surgery.

Ventricular septal defect treatment in Turkey has a high success rate of 98%, where expert surgeons deliver exceptional treatment outcomes for patients with severe cases of VSD. We must also credit Turkey's advanced infrastructure and medical equipment for this efficacy rate.
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