Cardiovascular diseases are increasing at an alarming rate in India. Open heart surgery is one of the important life-saving medical treatments performed in increasing numbers in India.
Understanding the cost of open heart surgery in India is critical to let heart patients make informed decisions about their healthcare alternatives. It can become a financial burden if the patients don’t have a comprehensive medical insurance plan.
Read on to learn everything to know about the cost of open-heart surgeries in India and the different factors affecting them!
What is Open Heart Surgery?
Open heart surgery is a type of heart surgery that involves opening the chest so that the heart is exposed and the surgeon can treat the heart problems by directly reaching the heart.
The surgeons will make a 6-8 inch incision down the center of the chest wall and cut through the sternum (breastbone) to reach the heart also called cracking the chest.
The different procedures that require open heart surgery, include coronary artery bypass graft, heart failure, heart valve diseases, heart transplants, maze procedures, implantation of pacemaker, and arrhythmias.
What Are the Types of Open Heart Surgery?
The different types of open heart surgery are
- On-pump open heart surgery: The heart will be stopped. When the surgery is performed, the patient will be connected to a cardiopulmonary bypass machine which will take over your heart and lungs. Then the surgeon will operate on the stopped heart. After the surgery, the patient will be disconnected from the machine and the heart will beat again.
- Off-pump open heart surgery: In this surgery, the heart will not be stopped. Instead of a cardiopulmonary bypass machine, the patient will be placed on a ventilator and surgery will be performed. It works only for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.
How much does an Open Heart Surgery cost in India?
India is known for its advanced medical technologies and affordable costs for open heart surgery. The cost of open heart surgery in India may vary depending on different factors and differs from city to city. The average cost of open heart surgery is between INR 1, 50,000-5,00,000.
| City | Approximate Cost |
| New Delhi | INR 1,90,000-4,50,000 |
| Mumbai | INR 2,00,000-5,00,000 |
| Chennai | INR 1,90,000-3,75,000 |
| Bangalore | INR 2,00,000-4,00,000 |
| Kolkata | INR 2,75,000-4,25,000 |
| Pune | INR 2,00,000-3,50,000 |
| Hyderabad | INR 2,50,000-4,00,000 |
| Gurgaon | INR 1,90,000-3,40,000 |
Table: Cost of open heart surgery in different cities in India
Understanding The Costs Of Open Heart Surgery In India
The breakdown of the different costs that add to the overall cost of open heart surgery in India are
- Preoperative costs: It involve diagnostic tests, medicines, and consultations with Cardiologists.
- Operating room costs: These involve costs related to the expertise of the surgeon, equipment, technology, surgical tools, and operating room time.
- Postoperative costs: It involves costs related to ICU, hospital stay, medication, follow-up care, and lifestyle modification.
Cost of Open Heart Surgery In India Vs Other Countries
The cost of open heart surgeries in India is much less compared to other countries in the world. Cardiac care in India is well known for its reasonable costs, leading cardiologists, ethical treatment, and up-to-date medical technologies.
| Countries | Approximate Cost |
| India | INR 1,00,000-5,00,000 |
| USA | $ 30,000-$200,000 |
| UK | £14,000-16,000 |
| Australia | AUD 30,000-70,000 |
| Singapore | SGD 30,000-80,000 |
| Nigeria | $6230-11,200 |
Table: Cost of open heart surgery in India and other countries
What are the Various Factors That Affect Open Heart Surgery Costs in India?
The different factors that affect open heart surgery costs in India are
- Patient’s condition: The patient’s physical condition and age may affect the cost of open heart surgery in India.
- Advanced tools and surgeon expertise: The availability of advanced tools in the hospital may affect the open heart surgery costs. Also, the fees charged by the heart surgeon may vary depending on the experience and reputation of the surgeon.
- Location of the hospital: The location of the hospital may alter the cost of the open heart surgery. Hospitals in major metropolitan cities may have higher costs due to higher demand.
- Medical Insurance: The cost of the surgery may be reduced if the patients have proper insurance coverage.
- Preoperative care: The diagnostic tests and medications before the surgery may also add to the overall costs.
- After surgery care: After surgery, patients may need to follow lifestyle changes that may add to the costs of the surgery. Also, unwanted complications after the surgery may increase financial expenses.
Why is Open Heart Surgery Needed?
The open-heart surgery may be required to
- Open the narrowed or clogged arteries in patients with coronary artery disease to restore blood flow
- Repair the damaged or defective areas of the heart
- Repair or replacing the heart valves thereby may help enable blood flow through the heart and prevent complications
- Replace the damaged heart with a transplant
- Place implants
Conclusion
The cost of open heart surgery in India may vary significantly based on the type of open heart surgery, the location of the hospital, the surgeon’s expertise, and the reputation of the hospital.
As open heart surgery is expensive, it is recommended that the patients consult their healthcare providers for precise estimates and options for financial assistance.
Dr.Nikhil P.J. Theckumparampil from Heart360 Care in Chennai is an experienced cardiac specialist. He is known for performing robot-assisted cardiac surgeries. You may book a consultation with Dr. Nikhil of Heart360 Care to understand the cost of open heart surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, open heart surgery is considered a major operation as it involves opening the chest to access the heart. After the surgery, the individual needs to stay in the intensive care unit and requires a longer recovery time. Also, it needs close monitoring after the surgery.
Open heart surgery can be very expensive and most health insurance policies in India may cover the cost of open heart surgery. It may also cover hospitalization expenses, surgeon’s fees, post-hospitalization fees, and therapies. However, it is recommended to contact your insurance provider for detailed coverage information. Some Government schemes may also provide financial assistance.
The average cost of open heart surgery in India varies between INR 1, 50,000-5,00,000. It varies depending on the different factors, including hospital, surgeon, complexity of procedure, and location.
