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Aortic valve replacement is a major surgical procedure that can significantly improve the quality of life of patients suffering from aortic stenosis or valve insufficiency. The surgery requires a high level of skill and experience on the part of the medical staff, as well as the availability of specialized equipment in hospitals. In some cases, due to the limited capacity of local medicine or the desire to receive the best quality of treatment, patients decide to have the surgery abroad. In this case, the cost of aortic valve replacement becomes one of the primary questions.
In this article, we will discuss the advantages and possibilities of aortic valve replacement surgery abroad, as well as compare prices and conditions of treatment in clinics in Turkey, Israel, South Korea, Spain and Lithuania.
Price comparison for aortic valve replacement in different countries
| Procedure | Turkey | Israel | Spain | South Korea | Lithuania |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open surgery | from $15,000 -$18,000 | from $23,000 | from €25,000 | from $23,000 | from €21,000 |
| Minimally invasive surgery | from $17,000-$18,800 | from $20,000 | from €22,000 | from $21,000 | from €19,000 |
What are the advantages of aortic valve replacement abroad?
Treatment of heart disease abroad offers several advantages that make this destination attractive to many patients.
The leading foreign clinics use advanced treatment methods that ensure high efficiency and safety of procedures. Depending on the individual characteristics of the patient, aortic valve replacement is performed using open access or minimally invasive techniques.
In foreign clinics, it is possible to perform this procedure using the TAVI method. This is a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement. The operation is performed without a wide incision, which significantly reduces the risk of complications and speeds up the rehabilitation period.
Ozaki surgery is also performed abroad. In this case, the patient’s tissues are used instead of synthetic materials to create an artificial valve. This allows for avoiding potential problems with compatibility and rejection of the valve made of artificial materials.
Foreign clinics are equipped with the latest technology. State-of-the-art monitoring systems, artificial circulation and pulmonary ventilation systems and other equipment are available. Specially equipped hybrid operating theatres allow several procedures to be performed within one intervention. This helps to avoid repeated operations and minimise risk to the patient.
The clinic’s award-winning international cardiac surgeons have a wealth of experience in cardiovascular surgery. They encounter a variety of clinical cases and problems daily, which enables them to gain valuable experience in performing surgery. The doctors regularly undergo additional training courses to keep them up to date with the latest advances and technologies in the field of cardiac surgery.
In foreign clinics, great attention is paid to patient care and creating comfortable conditions of stay. This includes a high level of service, comfortable rooms and an individual approach to each patient, which contributes to faster recovery and successful outcome of treatment.
Read: Aortic valve replacement – price in Turkey
Aortic valve replacement in Turkey is an affordable, effective and safe way to improve the quality of life of people with aortic stenosis or insufficiency. One of the main advantages of cardiac surgery in Turkey is the affordable prices. The cost of surgery is 20-30% lower than in Europe and the USA.
The average price of aortic valve replacement surgery in Turkey starts from $17,200.
Aortic Heart Valve Replacement at Liv Network Clinics
Liv Clinic Network is one of the leaders in Turkey in the field of cardiac surgery. More than 50,000 patients come here every year. Liv Medical Centres are JCI and TÜV certified, which guarantees a high level of medical services, safety and the best care. The latest developments and technologies in cardiac surgery are applied here.
The equipment of the cardiac surgery departments allows to perform heart valve replacement using the TAVI method (a safe and effective operation that is performed without incisions and is suitable for patients for whom open intervention is contraindicated).
Liv Clinics has some of Turkey’s leading cardiac surgeons, including:
Prof. MD Ahmet Özkara is an outstanding cardiac surgeon with more than 30 years of experience in cardiovascular surgery. He specialises in minimally invasive cardiac surgery and robot-assisted surgery. Dr Ozkara is an active researcher who regularly publishes scientific articles in Turkish and international publications and participates in scientific conferences and presentations. Prof Ozkar’s membership in various scientific societies demonstrates his active participation in the professional community and his commitment to continuously update his knowledge and skills in the field of cardiac surgery.
Assoc. Prof. MD Ali Baran Budak has extensive experience in aortic valve replacement and other types of cardiovascular surgery. He performs minimally invasive heart surgeries using modern techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery. The doctor also specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of various peripheral vascular diseases, diabetic foot, critical leg ischaemia, deep vein thrombosis and carotid artery stenosis. In addition, he is actively involved in research and sharing his expertise in the international and national medical community.
Cost of aortic valve replacement at the Liv Clinic
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| Open heart surgery | from $15,000 |
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| TAVI aortic valve replacement | from $17,000 |
Aortic Valve Replacement at Koç Hospital
Koç University Hospital is one of the largest hospitals in Turkey. The centre has 73 intensive care rooms, 13 operating theatres and 14 treatment rooms. More than 70,000 patients come here every year. The hospital is ISO and JCI certified, which indicates the excellent level of medical services and the use of modern technologies. The operating theatres and treatment rooms are equipped with the latest generation of state-of-the-art equipment, which allows for the highest level of surgery. Each procedure is tailored to the individual needs of the patient and adheres to strict safety and quality standards.
The Living Heart cardiovascular care programme at Koç Clinic brings together leading specialists in cardiology and cardiac surgery to ensure the most effective and comprehensive treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The certified cardiac surgeons working at this clinic perform surgeries on both adults and children.
Prof. Atıf Akçevin, M.D. is the head of the Cardiac Surgery Department. He specialises in coronary artery surgery, valve replacement and repair, minimally invasive and robot-assisted cardiac surgery, peripheral vascular surgery, transcatheter interventions and paediatric cardiac surgery. He is a member of the Turkish Society of Cardiology, European Society of Cardiovascular Surgery, International Society of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, Turkish Society of Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, etc.
Aortic valve replacement – price at Koç Clinic
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| Open heart surgery | fromот $18,000 |
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| TAVI aortic valve replacement | from $18,800 |
In case of extensive aortic valve damage, surgery is the only method to save a person’s health. Abroad there are various possibilities to operate, both open and minimally invasive. Contact a MediGlobus specialist to book a doctor’s appointment and go for treatment as soon as possible.
Cost of aortic valve replacement in Israel
Aortic valve replacement in Israel is an attractive option for patients from other countries due to advanced technologies and a high level of medical care. Cardiac surgery in this country is one of the most developed areas of medicine, where new methods of surgery are actively introduced and experience is exchanged with leading scientific centres in the USA. Doctors known all over the world who successfully perform the most complex heart interventions practise here.
The cost of cardiac surgery in Israeli clinics may be slightly higher than in Turkey and South Korea, but it is usually lower than in the leading European clinics.
The average price of aortic valve replacement surgery in Israel starts from $21,500.
Aortic valve replacement at the Suraski Clinic
The Souraski Clinic (Ichilov) is one of the leading medical centres in the world, serving more than 1.5 million people annually. Ichilov is certified by Joint Commission International, which guarantees high-quality medical services.
Surgery for aortic valve reconstruction or replacement is a common procedure at Ichilov. It can be performed either as an open-heart surgery or a minimally invasive surgery.
If open-heart surgery is contraindicated, in most cases doctors perform non-surgical aortic valve replacement through the femoral artery. The procedure does not require a wide incision, so it is performed under local anaesthesia. This method of implantation is the safest because it is performed without stopping the heart. The possibility of complications is minimal, and recovery is quick and easy.
The head of the Department of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery at the Souraski Clinic is the well-known Prof. Shmuel Banai. He is one of Israel’s leading cardiologists with more than 20 years of medical experience. He specialises in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, interventional cardiology and cardiac catheterisation. He received his degree from the Faculty of Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and specialised in internal medicine and cardiology at Bikur Cholim Hospital. Additional training at the Laboratory of Physiology and Experimental Pharmacology at the National Institutes of Health in the USA has enhanced his knowledge and skills. Dr Banai holds the title of Professor, has authored more than 170 scientific papers and actively participates in international cardiology congresses.
Cost of aortic valve replacement at Ichilov Clinic
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| Open-heart surgery | from $23,000 |
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| TAVI aortic valve replacement | from $20,000 |
In some cases, only surgery can cure aortic valve stenosis. The price of the procedure can vary significantly from country to country and from clinic to clinic. Please contact your MediGlobus coordinator to find out the specific cost of treatment. We will answer all your questions, help you to make an appointment with a doctor and go for treatment.
Cost of aortic valve replacement in Spain
Many patients prefer to apply to Spanish clinics for the treatment of heart diseases for several reasons: experienced cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, individual approach, modern equipment and technologies, and a high level of service. And the patient receives all these advantages at a reasonable price.
The cost of aortic valve replacement surgery in Spanish clinics is lower than in clinics in the USA or Western Europe, which makes Spain an attractive choice for many patients looking for quality treatment at an affordable price.
In comparison, the average price of heart valve replacement surgery in the US is around $100,000, while in Spain the same surgery costs start from €23,500.
Aortic valve replacement at Teknon Clinic
The Teknon Clinic is part of the Quironsalud network and is one of the leading medical centres in Spain. The Teknon Institute of Heart and Vascular Health has been seeing patients for 15 years.
It provides advanced methods of diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In total, Teknon’s cardiac surgeons have performed more than 5,000 open-heart surgeries. Patients have access to a wide range of modern diagnostic services, including 3D cardiac ultrasound, cardiac MRI and CT, as well as innovative coronary multidetector CT and PET-CT technologies that ensure accurate and timely detection of pathologies.
One of the significant achievements of the clinic is the smart cardiac surgery programme. It includes coronary surgery on the beating heart, minimally invasive cardiac surgery and a rehabilitation programme, which provides patients with more comfortable and effective treatment and recovery.
Aortic valve replacement here is performed using sutureless valves, which simplify and speed up the surgical procedure, reducing the risk of complications and improving the prognosis for patients.
The chief physician of the International Heart Centre is Dr Raúl F. Abella. He is a world-renowned cardiac surgeon who has made a name for himself by successfully treating severe cardiac pathologies in children. Dr Abella has helped more than 5,000 young patients and has participated 56 times in missions as a cardiac surgeon in 9 countries as part of a humanitarian programme. He is a founding member of the World Society for Paediatric Cardiac and Congenital Heart Surgery. In addition, he is also a member of the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.
Cost of aortic valve replacement at Teknon Clinic
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| Open-heart surgery | from €25,000 |
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| TAVI aortic valve replacement | from €22,000 |
TAVI endovascular aortic valve replacement is an alternative treatment method suitable for people with contraindications to open surgery. It has the advantage of minimal intervention and low risk of complications. Fill out the contact form to get in touch with a MediGlobus coordinator and find out how to travel abroad for the operation.
Cost of aortic valve replacement in Lithuania
Lithuania is a sought-after destination for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases due to the high quality of medical care and effective rehabilitation. Experienced cardiologists and cardiac surgeons with advanced knowledge and skills work here. The country is famous for its outstanding achievements in cardiac surgery. Lithuanian specialists were the first in Europe to perform the complex Ross operation.
Lithuania’s convenient location in the centre of Europe facilitates access to medical services for foreign patients. The favourable price-quality ratio makes treatment of heart diseases in this country affordable and attractive for many people.
The average price of aortic valve replacement in Lithuania starts from €20,000.
Aortic valve replacement at Kardiolita Medical Centre
Kardiolita Multidisciplinary Clinic is one of the strongest medical centres in the Baltics, located in Vilnius. Kardiolita was the first hospital in Lithuania to be awarded the Joint Commission International certificate for high-quality medical care. One of the hospital’s achievements is the lowest rate of infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Europe.
Cardiology and cardiac surgery are the priority areas here. The clinic’s cardiac surgeons have a wealth of experience exceeding 40 years and have performed more than 5,000 successful cardiovascular operations. They offer a wide range of procedures including heart valve reconstruction, and aortic valve replacement using the Ross method or TAVI. Doctors see children and adults.
One of the most renowned specialists at the Kardiolita Clinic is Prof Audrius Aidietis. He is an honoured cardiologist and cardiac surgeon in Lithuania. He is a recipient of the St Christopher Award and a Knight of the Officer Order of Prince Gediminas. He has over 35 years of experience. He is engaged in the development and implementation of new minimally invasive transcatheter technologies for the treatment of heart valves. Under his supervision, catheter implantation of the aortic valve through the femoral artery, catheter thrombectomy for pulmonary embolism, catheter balloon valvuloplasty of the mitral valve and catheter closure of mitral paravalvular fistulas through the apex of the heart were successfully performed for the first time in Lithuania.
One of the main advantages of heart disease treatment at Kardiolita is its strong rehabilitation facilities. The clinic offers a full range of services aimed at rapid recovery and return of patients to a full life. In addition, patients have an opportunity to recover at the best Lithuanian resorts.
Cost of aortic valve replacement in Kardiolita Clinic
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| Open heart surgery | from €21,000 |
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| TAVI aortic valve replacement | from €19,000 |
Cost of aortic valve replacement in South Korea
Cardiac surgery in South Korea is one of the most developed and sought-after fields of medicine. The country is known for its advanced treatment methods and innovative approaches to surgical interventions. South Korean cardiac surgeons perform complex operations with high precision and efficiency. It was in this country that the world’s first transcatheter aortic valve replacement was successfully performed on a patient with a severe form of heart valve pathology.
The advantages of cardiac surgery in South Korea include first-class medical equipment, a high level of professionalism of doctors and staff, as well as introduction of new technologies and treatment methods. Clinics strive for continuous improvement and adherence to high-quality standards of medical services. At the same time, prices for cardiological services in South Korea are significantly lower than in such countries as Israel, Germany and Switzerland.
The average price of aortic valve replacement surgery in Korea starts at $22,000.
Aortic valve replacement at Ewha Women’s University Medical Centre
Established in 1887, Ewha Clinic has partnered with the leading Ewha Women’s University to provide a high level of comprehensive medical care. The clinic welcomes international patients of different ages, both women and men.
The medical centre is considered one of the most technologically advanced in South Korea. It holds many quality certifications, including JCI International Joint Commission accreditation and Newsweek Magazine’s “World’s Best Clinics” certification.
The heart valve replacement at the cardiovascular treatment centre uses the latest equipment to ensure that the procedure is performed with high precision and maximum efficiency. The doctors favour minimally invasive techniques and place great importance on the aesthetic result of the surgeries.
The Ewha Clinic offers a comfortable environment for international patients. The experienced staff speaks English, Chinese, Arabic and Russian. Cultural and entertainment programmes are available for patients. There are various accommodation options, including standard double and single rooms, as well as VIP rooms equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay. In addition, there are various facilities for patients and visitors.
The clinic employs Korea’s leading specialists in cardiac surgery, cardiology and vascular surgery. They regularly upgrade their qualifications and introduce the latest treatment methods to ensure high efficiency in the fight against cardiovascular diseases.
Prof. Uk Beom Pyeon is the director of the Centre for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases in Seoul and a specialist in minimally invasive heart disease therapy.
Prof. Prof Chungwon Koh is one of the best cardiac surgeons in the clinic. He is consulted for the surgical treatment of heart valves, coronary heart disease, acute myocardial infarction, and aortic and lower limb arterial diseases.
Prof. In Jeong Cho is a sought-after cardiac surgeon with extensive experience. His main speciality is the treatment of valve defects, cardiomyopathy, pericardial diseases, hypertension and other pathologies.
Cost of aortic valve replacement at Ewha Clinic
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| Open heart surgery | from $23,000 |
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| TAVI aortic valve replacement | from $21,000 |
Frequently asked questions about aortic heart valve replacement
How is the surgery for aortic valve replacement performed?
In aortic valve replacement, the course of surgery depends on the method. The choice depends on the patient’s condition, the severity of the aortic malformation, and the specifics of the anatomy of the heart and vessels. The main methods that are used to replace the valve are:
Open-heart surgery. The classic method of replacing the aortic valve. It is carried out under general anaesthesia since an opening of the chest is required. The surgeon removes the damaged valve and replaces it with an artificial one. The duration of the operation is 3-4 hours.
TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation). A minimally invasive procedure. It is performed under local anaesthesia as it does not require opening the chest or stopping the heart. The new valve is delivered to the heart through a catheter inserted into the femoral artery. The duration of the procedure is 1-2 hours.
Sutureless prosthetic aortic valve replacement. A minimally invasive procedure. It is performed under general anaesthesia. Requires a small incision in the chest. A new valve is implanted through a mini-access. The duration of the operation is 2-3 hours.
Ozaki surgery. Aortic valve replacement using the patient’s pericardium. It is performed under general anaesthesia, as it is necessary to open the chest. A new valve is formed from the pericardium. The duration of the operation is 4-5 hours.
Will the patient be disabled after aortic valve replacement?
The question of whether the disability after the replacement of the aortic valve, is decided individually in each case and depends on the laws of the state in which the patient lives. The decision may be influenced by the type of surgery, the patient’s condition, the presence of complications, etc.
What kind of rehabilitation is necessary after aortic valve replacement?
Quality rehabilitation is necessary for effective recovery and resumption of an active lifestyle after aortic valve replacement surgery. The rehabilitation programme usually includes physical exercises to help restore strength and endurance to the cardiovascular system. In addition, specialists may prescribe a diet to help control weight and reduce the risk of further complications. Psychological support and teaching patients to follow a healthy lifestyle is also an important part of rehabilitation.
How do patients feel after aortic valve replacement?
After aortic valve replacement, the reviews of patients who were treated in foreign clinics are mostly positive. Patients note the professionalism of doctors, the use of modern equipment, comfortable conditions in clinics, and quick recovery after surgery.
Clinic: Liv Hospital
Procedure: Aortic valve replacement
Anna: “I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your help! Attentive, responsible attitude to our problem during the preparation period and perfectly operated characterises doctors Ahmed Ozkara and Jelalettin Kocaturk, Halil Khuzmeli as highly qualified professionals. We are very grateful to them! Amazing specialists in their field! They told us in detail about the upcoming surgery and answered all our questions. After talking to the doctors we felt confident and calm about the upcoming treatment. There were no complications, we received recommendations on further treatment when we were discharged. We are grateful to all the staff of the hospital – doctors, nurses, orderlies. We wish everyone health, happiness and prosperity! I am very glad that Ahmed Ozkara, Jelalettin Kojaturk, and Halil Khuzmeli were with us all the time during these difficult days. Such professionals ensure the good reputation of the hospital. I will recommend Liv Hospital to my family, friends and relatives in case of any need.”
Summary
In complex lesions of the aortic valve, surgery is performed to replace it. The price of the procedure depends on the surgical method, country and clinic. The average cost of surgery in Turkey is from $17,200, in Israel from $21,500, in Spain from €23,500, in South Korea from $22,000, and in Lithuania from €20,000.
Aortic valve replacement in Turkey is an affordable, effective and safe way to improve the quality of life for people with aortic stenosis or insufficiency. The cost of surgery will cost 20-30% less than in Europe and the USA. The leading clinics in this area are Liv and Koç.
Aortic valve replacement in Israel is an attractive option for patients from other countries due to advanced technology and high level of medical care. The cost of cardiac surgery in Israeli hospitals may be slightly higher than in Turkey and South Korea, but it is lower than in leading hospitals in Europe. One of the strongest hospitals in the field of cardiac surgery is considered to be the Ichilov Medical Centre.
For the treatment of heart diseases, many patients prefer to go to Spanish clinics for many reasons: experienced cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, individual approach, modern equipment and technologies, and high level of service. The cost of aortic valve replacement surgery in Spanish clinics is lower than in clinics in the USA or Western Europe. The Teknon clinic is popular among foreigners.
Lithuania is a sought-after destination for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases due to the high quality of medical services and convenient location in the centre of Europe. The favourable price-quality ratio makes treatment of cardiac diseases in this country affordable and attractive for many people. In the field of treatment of cardiological diseases, the Kardiolita Clinic is considered to be one of the strongest.
The advantages of cardiac surgery in South Korea include first-class medical equipment, a high level of professionalism of doctors and staff, as well as constant introduction of new technologies and treatment methods. At the same time, prices for cardiological services in South Korea are considerably lower than in Israel, Germany and Switzerland. Patients most often choose Ewha University Hospital for aortic valve replacement.
Heart diseases require competent and timely intervention. Contact MediGlobus to get access to advanced diagnostic and treatment methods in the best foreign clinics. Leave an application on the website!
Sources:
- 1. National Health Service
- 2. American Heart Association
- 3. Aortic Valve Replacement – National Library of Medicine
- 4. Aortic valve replacement – NHS inform
- 5. Aortic valve replacement – Healthdirect
