Heart Transplant cost in India
Heart transplant cost in India may range from $45000 to $55000, which is approximately 37,700,00 to 46,000,00 INR. India is one of the few countries in the world that allow cadaveric heart transplant for foreign nationals. The cost of treatment, however, varies as per the condition of the patient and the underlying medical condition leading to the need of heart transplantation.
International patients should consider all rules, regulations and legalities involved in the process of heart transplant in India. The following sections will delve into some of the important information about this surgery.
Cost Range of Heart Transplant cost in India
Cost Inclusions:
Surgery for patient as per the decided approach
Hospitalization as per package
Surgeon fee and anesthesia
Cadaveric donor heart
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Who is a candidate for heart transplant in India?
In India, a candidate for a heart transplant is typically someone who has severe heart disease and meets specific medical criteria. The selection process is rigorous and involves several steps.
The evaluation process for heart transplant in India involves a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, transplant surgeons, social workers, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals. This team assesses the patient's eligibility through various tests and consultations. If deemed suitable, the patient is placed on the transplant waiting list, and organ allocation is done based on urgency, compatibility, and availability.
The heart transplant waiting list in India varies from one day to a year or more. The heart from a cadaveric donor is allocated as per the guidelines set by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) and the decision usually depends on several factors such as age, compatibility, urgency and condition of the patients already on the waiting list etc.
A foreigner in need of a heart transplant can also join the waiting list, a process facilitated by some of the best hospitals for heart transplant in India. Once they get registered after a rigrous examination and consultation establishing the need for a heart transplant, they have to stay in India until they receive a call from the hospital for transplant.
Criteria for Candidacy for Cadaveric Heart Transplant in India:
Here are the key factors considered:
1.End-Stage Heart Failure: Patients with severe heart failure that is not manageable with medical or surgical treatments may be considered. This includes conditions such as:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Ischemic cardiomyopathy
- Severe coronary artery disease
- Congenital heart disease
2. Prognosis: The patient should have a poor prognosis without a transplant, usually with an expected survival of less than a year.
3. Age and Overall Health: Typically, candidates are generally younger than 65, although older patients may be considered based on their overall health. Good overall health, apart from the heart condition, is crucial.
4. No Active Infections or Malignancies: Candidates must be free of active infections and recent malignancies. Chronic infections or cancer can complicate post-transplant outcomes.
5. Organ Function: Adequate function of other organs, such as kidneys, liver, and lungs, is important. Severe dysfunction of other organs may disqualify a patient.
6. Psychosocial Factors: The patient’s psychological stability, social support system, and ability to comply with post-transplant medical regimens are critical. This includes adherence to medications and regular follow-up appointments.
7. BMI and Obesity: Patients should ideally have a body mass index (BMI) within a range that does not significantly increase surgical risks. Extreme obesity may be a contraindication.
8. Non-Substance Abuse: Patients must be free from active substance abuse, including alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs.
Cost Associated With Different Types of Heart Transplant
Type of Heart Transplant | Cost Range in USD |
Orthotopic Heart Transplant Cost in India It is a surgical procedure where a patient's diseased heart is replaced with a healthy donor heart in the same anatomical position. | 42000 - 48000 |
Heterotopic Heart Transplant Cost in India It is a surgical procedure where the donor heart is connected to the patient's existing heart, allowing both hearts to work together to improve cardiac function. | 45000 - 55000 |
Combined Heart-Lung Transplant Cost in India It is a surgical procedure in which both the heart and lungs are replaced simultaneously with those from a single donor. | 60000 - 80000 |
Sometimes patients who are in urgent need of heart transplant could be a candidate for left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a procedure also known as artificial heart transplant. It can be done immediately and costs approximately around $95000 to $115,000.
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Heart Transplant Cost in India Inclusions
Patient investigations and fitness evaluation before surgery
Surgeon fee, OT charges, anesthesia
Routine drugs and consumables required during hospitalization
Pre-anesthesia check up and clearance
Hospital stay and meals as per the package
Heart Transplant Cost in India Exclusions
Hotel stay, meals and flights or ambulance evacuation
Extended hospital stay
Post-operative follow-ups and medical management
Post-operative dressing and nurse visits
Any blood products
Complications management
Treatment for any other underlying medical conditions
Any complex investigations
Other Factors Affecting Heart Transplant Cost in India
Choice of location, doctor and hospital
Pre-existing medical history
Type of surgery and approach
Overall patient status and condition at the time of surgery
Diagnostic Tests Done Before Heart Transplant Surgery
Types of Test | Cost Range in USD |
Blood Tests: These include the basic blood investigations for the patient to check for overall functioning for vital organs. | 150 to 200 |
Cardiac Evaluation: This includes Echo, Cath study, Doppler study, stress test and other examination as needed. | 500 to 600 |
Pulmonary Tests: This includes Chest X-ray and pulmonary function test. | 50 to 100 |
Other Necessary Clearance: This includes psychosocial evaluation, dental examination, ophthalmogical examination and a few other examination. | 200 to 300 |
Why is India preferred as one of the best countries for heart transplant?
India is preferred as one of the best countries for heart transplants due to its combination of highly skilled medical professionals, state-of-the-art medical facilities, cost-effective treatment options, and a growing number of successful transplant surgeries. Additionally, India has a well-established legal framework for organ donation and transplantation, and some hospitals offer comprehensive care and support for international patients.
Top Hospitals For Heart Transplant in India
- MIOT Hospital, Chennai
- Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai
- MGM Healthcare, Chennai
- Marengo CIMS Hospital, Ahmedabad
- KIMS Hospital, Hyderabad