India has made remarkable advancements in cardiac care over the past few decades. The country boasts world-class hospitals equipped with cutting-edge technology and highly skilled cardiac surgeons. With a focus on research and innovation, Indian healthcare institutions continually strive to improve outcomes and provide cost-effective solutions for heart-related ailments.

 What is Open Heart Surgery? 

Open heart surgery, also known as cardiac surgery, is a procedure performed to treat various heart conditions. It involves opening the chest to access the heart and its surrounding blood vessels for the repair or replacement of damaged or diseased parts.

 Why is it done? 

Open heart surgery is conducted to address a range of cardiac issues, including coronary artery disease, valve disorders, congenital heart defects, thoracic aortic aneurysm(The largest artery in the body, the aorta, can bulge or balloon as it travels through the thoracic (chest) region), and heart failure. It aims to improve heart function, restore blood flow, and alleviate symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

 The Procedure 

Before the surgery, patients undergo thorough evaluations, including medical history assessments, diagnostic tests, sterilizing the area, setting an IV in the arm to supply fluids and medications and consultations with cardiac specialists.

During the surgery, the patient is placed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon makes an incision (about 6-8 inches long) in the chest to access the heart. The specific procedure varies depending on the patient's condition but typically involves repairing or replacing damaged heart valves, bypassing blocked arteries, or correcting structural defects. The breastbone is cut on to spread the ribcage and to reach the heart. Also, the surgeons would connect the heart to a bypass machine to control the heart. The process is concluded after disconnecting the bypass machine and closing the breastbone by stitching it up.

After the surgery, patients are closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) before transitioning to a regular hospital room for further recovery. There would be some symptoms some may experience after the surgery such as pain, especially in the chest, constipation, depression, insomnia, memory problems and loss of appetite.

 Types of Open Heart Surgery 

The two types of open heart surgery are;

• On-pump – A device known as a heart-lung bypass machine attaches to the heart and temporarily replaces the heart and lungs. It transfers blood away from the heart and throughout the body. Next, the heart that isn't beating or pumping blood is operated on by the surgeon. Following surgery, the heart begins to beat again when the physician disconnects the device.
• Off-pump - Off-pump bypass surgery is performed on a heart that is still beating naturally. This method is limited to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures, also known as bypass surgeries. A surgeon may refer to this procedure as "beating heart surgery."

 Preparation 

Patients undergoing open heart surgery are required to undergo pre-operative tests and assessments to ensure they are fit for surgery. This may include blood tests, electrocardiograms (ECG), echocardiograms, and chest X-rays. Additionally, patients may need to make lifestyle modifications and adhere to specific dietary and medication regimens leading up to the surgery.

 Top Nations in Open Heart Surgery 

While India stands out as a top destination for open heart surgery due to its affordability and quality of care, other countries renowned for their expertise in cardiac procedures include the United States, Thailand , Germany, Singapore, and South Korea.

 Cost Comparison of Open Heart Surgery 

Among the Indian destinations, New Delhi has the lowest minimum cost, while Kochi has the highest minimum cost. This indicates that New Delhi offers the best minimum cost for surgery.

When comparing international destinations, both Turkey and Thailand offer surgery at comparatively lower costs.

 Top Hospitals in India for Open Heart Surgery 

• Fortis Malar Hospital, Chennai.
• Apollo Hospital, Chennai.
• Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon.
• Narayana Health City, Bangalore.
• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai.
• Manipal Hospital, Bangalore.

 Top Surgeons for Open Heart Surgery 

• Dr Naresh Trehan
• Dr Ashok Seth
• Dr Anil Kumar
• Dr Anil Jose
• Dr Murtaza Ahmed Chishthi
• Dr Shafeeq Mattummal
• Dr Rajesh Sharma
• Dr Ali Zamir Khan
• Dr Nandkishore Kapadia
• Dr Amar Nath Ghosh
• Dr Sarajit Kumar Das
• Dr K M Mandana

 FAQ 

1.  How can I schedule an appointment for open heart surgery in India?

   - Patients can typically schedule appointments by contacting the cardiac department of their chosen hospital directly or through online websites like our team Haadimedics for better assistance.

2.  What are the potential risks associated with open heart surgery?

   - Risks of open heart surgery include infection, bleeding, blood clots, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and complications related to the heart or other organs.

3.  What is the success rate of open heart surgery in India?

   - India holds a comparatively better success rate, 70% to 85% in the surgery.

4. Are there any alternatives to open heart surgery?

   - Alternatives may include medication, lifestyle changes, minimally invasive procedures, or cardiac rehabilitation depending on the specific cardiac condition. However, the suitability of alternatives varies based on individual cases.

5.  How long does it take to recover from open heart surgery?

   - Recovery time varies for each patient but generally involves a hospital stay of several days to weeks followed by a period of rehabilitation and recovery at home. It could take several weeks or months to a full recovery.

6.  When should I seek medical attention after open heart surgery?

   - Patients should consult their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, or signs of infection at the surgical site.

7.  What precautions should I take before undergoing open heart surgery?

   - Precautions may include following any pre-operative instructions provided by your healthcare team, such as fasting before surgery, adjusting medications, and quitting smoking if applicable.

8.  How much does open heart surgery cost in India compared to other countries?

   - The cost of open heart surgery in India is significantly lower compared to many Western countries, making it a popular choice for medical tourists seeking quality treatment at affordable prices.

9.  What factors can affect the cost of open heart surgery in India?

   - Factors influencing the cost may include the complexity of the surgery, the type of procedure required, the hospital's reputation and facilities, the surgeon's expertise, and any additional services or accommodations needed.

10.  How can I minimize the financial burden of open heart surgery?

   - Patients may explore options such as health insurance coverage, medical tourism packages, government-sponsored healthcare schemes, or seeking assistance from charitable organizations or crowdfunding platforms.

11.  What post-operative care is necessary after open heart surgery?

    - Post-operative care may involve monitoring vital signs, managing pain and discomfort, administering medications as prescribed, following a balanced diet, attending follow-up appointments, and participating in cardiac rehabilitation programs to aid recovery.