About Heart Valve Replacement Surgery
Heart valve replacement is a procedure to replace a damaged or diseased heart valve with a new one.
When valves don’t open or close properly, blood flow is disrupted, forcing your heart to work harder. Replacement valves can be mechanical (made from durable materials) or biological (from human or animal tissue), chosen based on your age, lifestyle, and medical condition.
Traditional vs Minimally Invasive Options
Open-Heart Valve Replacement: Chest is opened via sternotomy (breastbone division). Heart-lung bypass machine supports circulation during valve replacement. Hospital stay: 5-10 days.
TAVR/TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement): Catheter-based procedure—no chest opening required. New valve delivered through a catheter via the femoral artery in the groin. Performed under conscious sedation. Procedure takes approximately 1 hour. Hospital stay: usually 2-5 days. Patients are usually mobilised within a day.
Robotic Mitral Valve Surgery: A minimally invasive option available at some centres for suitable patients.
What partner hospitals offer
- Advanced Techniques: Access to traditional open-heart, minimally invasive, and TAVR procedures based on your condition
- Valve Specialists: Cardiac surgeons experienced in valve replacement
- Valve Options: Mechanical and biological valves from established manufacturers
- Treatment Planning: The surgeon advises on valve type and surgical approach for your condition
Outcomes depend on your condition and the surgeon. Ask the treating hospital for its own outcome data before you decide.
Recovery & Travel Timeline
Open-Heart Valve Replacement
- Hospital Stay: 5-10 days
- Initial Healing: 2-3 months
- Fit to Fly: 4-6 weeks with medical clearance
- Normal Activities: 6-8 weeks
TAVR/TAVI (Minimally Invasive)
- Hospital Stay: 2-5 days
- Initial Recovery: Back to daily activities within one week
- Fit to Fly: 2-3 weeks
- Full Recovery: 2-4 weeks
Hospitals usually advise planning a stay of about 4-6 weeks after open-heart valve replacement and 2-3 weeks after TAVR, until the cardiac surgeon clears you to fly.
Cost in India
Costs depend on the hospital, the procedure and your reports. The indicative range on this page is a guide only; the hospital’s written estimate is the figure to rely on, and you pay the hospital directly.
