LVAD Surgery Cost in India

The starting price for LVAD surgery in India is USD 120,000 (Evaluation + LVAD). The cost also includes the hospital stay, meals, medications, and other expenses like the diagnostic tests performed prior to the LVAD surgery.

Heart Valve Replacement Surgery Cost

In people with heart disease, a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a tiny pump that aids in restoring regular blood flow. It is used as a stopgap measure until a heart transplant or to prolong the lives of people with end-stage heart failure.

LVAD is an example of a VAD (ventricular assist device). The VAD assists your heart with pumping blood through your body. This can decrease your heart failure symptoms and give you more:

  • Energy,
  • Stamina, and
  • A better quality of life.

VADs can support the left ventricle (LVAD), the right ventricle (RVAD), or both ventricles (BiVAD). Patients can only leave the hospital with LVAD, though.

Though the ventricular assist device can be implanted in either one or both of your ventricles, in most cases, it is implanted in the left ventricle.

In India, an LVAD operation enables someone whose heart has been compromised by heart disease to regain regular blood flow.

Patients with heart failure are implanted with a mechanical pump called a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The tool does not replace the heart, aids in the heart which instead, supports a heart that is too frail to pump on its own in maintaining its pumping ability. It assists the lower left chamber (left ventricle) pumping blood to the aorta and the rest of the body. It is a left ventricular assist device because it supports the left ventricle.

The aorta distributes oxygen-rich blood throughout your entire body, this is a crucial job. Without a constant flow of oxygen to your cells and tissues, survival is not possible.

At the base of the heart muscle inside your chest, a surgeon inserts the pump unit of the left ventricular assist device. Blood is drawn into the machine, and it then travels through a tube to the aorta.
Additionally, it can benefit those who cannot receive a heart transplant.

LVAD Surgery Cost

The starting price for LVAD surgery in India is USD 120,000 (Evaluation + LVAD). Typically, the price of LVAD surgery varies between hospitals and clinics depending on a number of variables. The cost of the surgery also includes the hospital stay, meals, medications, and other expenses like the diagnostic tests performed prior to the LVAD surgery.

The primary reason why LVAD surgery is an expensive procedure is because of how much LVAD costs.

A ventilator may also be used by the surgeons to support breathing during the procedure.

The following is a list of some additional elements that will affect how much an LVAD operation will cost.

  • City of Treatment – The cost of the LVAD surgery will depend on the hospital and the city where the treatment takes place. There may be a minor difference.
  • Cost of LVAD – Since the price of an LVAD may change, this factor will also affect how much surgery will cost. Additionally, LVADs are made by a variety of brands; your doctor can advise you.
  • The Duration of Stay in the Hospital – The length of the hospital stay may raise the price. The packages typically include the price of a 14-day hospital stay, but if the stay is longer, the price may go up.
  • Diagnostic Tests – The cost of LVAD surgery will be significantly impacted by the diagnostic test. As a result, before having the surgery, one should consider that as well.
  • Other Complications – If there are any additional issues, the hospital will take care of them on the patient’s behalf. In such circumstances, the treatment’s price may exceed the initial projection.
  • Medicine Cost – In addition to the cost of the LVAD surgery, the cost of medications should be taken into account.

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Components of an LVAD

Every LVAD has three components:

  • A blood vessel pump.
  • A controller, which is a type of computer, and an external power source.
  • A network of wires connects this apparatus to the LVAD. The wires are referred to as a driveline.
  • Hospitals in India use the most advanced and reliable ventricular assist devices (VADs) available for patients.
  • Unlike in the past, LVAD devices are now portable.

The use/objective of LVADs

LVADs can be used as

Bridge to transplant (BTT)

During or after surgery until your heart recovers.

  • As a bridge to transplant, patients wait for a heart transplant. While they await the availability of a donor’s heart, a VAD may be used in the interim.
  • Despite a damaged heart, a VAD can continue to pump blood throughout the body.
  • Upon receiving a fresh heart, it will be taken out.
  • While waiting for a heart transplant, a VAD might also improve the performance of other bodily organs.

Destination therapy

If you’re not eligible for a heart transplant because of age or other medical conditions.

  • Age or other factors (destination therapy) prevent patients from receiving a heart transplant.
  • When a patient has heart failure but is not a good candidate for a heart transplant, VADs are increasingly used as a permanent treatment.
  • Destination therapy is a term used to describe this kind of care. The quality of life can be improved if long-term VAD therapy is received in case of heart failure.
  • Rarely, a VAD may make current conditions better so that patients are qualified for a heart transplant.

Bridge To Recovery

While you’re waiting for a heart transplant.

  • In case of a short-term heart failure condition (bridge to recovery), until the heart is healthy enough to once again pump blood on its own, the doctor may advise having a VAD implanted
  • First, it is determined whether a bridge-to-transplant or destination therapy is needed. Depending on the state of the patient’s health, this designation could change.

Diagnosis

The patient is assessed by doctors to determine whether they qualify for a left ventricular assist device. Several tests are part of the medical examination:

  • Electrocardiogram.
  • Chest X-ray.
  • Blood tests.
  • Echocardiogram.
  • Metabolic stress test.
  • Heart catheterization.

Working of an LVAD

The Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump that can be surgically implanted and is connected to the heart.

  • LVADs are distinct from artificial hearts. An LVAD works alongside the heart to help it pump more blood with less effort, as opposed to an artificial heart, which completely replaces the failing organ.
  • It accomplishes this by continuously pumping blood from the left ventricle into the aorta, where it is carried throughout the body to carry oxygen.

To circulate blood enriched in oxygen throughout the body, the device is implanted in the left ventricle, the heart’s largest chamber.

  • When the heart is too frail to function normally, the mechanical pump is forced into extreme circumstances.

Both internal and external components make up the LVAD.

  • With a tube connecting it to the aorta, the actual pump rests on or near the left ventricle of the heart.
  • The driveline connects the pump to a controller and external power sources by extending through the skin from the pump.
  • For the pump to continue operating as intended, the driveline and power must always be connected to the controller.
  • Electricity or batteries power the pump.
  • For free movement, each device has a specific carrying case.

Procedure during the surgery

During surgery, the surgeon uses a heart-lung bypass machine to move oxygen-rich blood throughout your body.

  • Uses a ventilator to control your breathing throughout the procedure.
  • To reach your heart and attach the LVAD, make cut down the middle of your chest and open your sternum. The doctor might perform a thoracotomy, or left chest incision, depending on your circumstances.
  • After inserting the left ventricular assist device, close the incision.

Recovery

Patients’ specific needs will dictate how long they stay in the hospital because every patient’s rehabilitation is different. In India, LVAD surgery is followed by an average hospital stay of 14 to 21 days.

Following the implantation procedure, the patient and the caretakers will receive LVAD training, which will include comprehensive instructions to ensure the safe and correct use of the LVAD. It is important to learn how to operate the tool and respond to potential emergencies. LVAD staff assists in comprehending:

  • How does the gadget operate?
  • The significance of the alarms
  • Appropriate system upkeep
  • On a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis, procedures are carried out.
  • How to keep track of changes
  • When should any changes or worries be communicated to the LVAD staff?

Before being discharged from the hospital, one must show that they are familiar with the device, and your care team might conduct a test.

The physical recovery, health, and level of comfort with LVAD care will all play a role in how soon one is finally ready to be discharged.

Until one is ready to return home, some patients are admitted to an intermediate care facility or a rehabilitation facility.

Strength is developed with the assistance of physical and occupational therapists so that one can develop independence with self-care activities.

One should also see a nutritionist to talk about a “heart-healthy” diet now along with having an LVAD.

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Resuming Regular Lifestyle After the Surgery

Recovery and return to regular daily activities after receiving an LVAD is a gradual process.

  • Following an LVAD, one will be able to perform the majority of activities like taking a shower, going biking or hiking, or in some cases, going back to work. Minor modifications can be made in case of traveling.

Patients with LVADs are prohibited from taking a bath or a swim, playing contact sports, lifting a lot of weight, or being away from an electrical power source.

It is mandatory to lead a healthy lifestyle before and after getting an LVAD, which should include:

  • Quitting tobacco use
  • Eating a “heart-healthy” diet
  • Stopping alcohol use
  • Not using illegal drugs
  • Exercising regularly

It’s common to experience anxiety or depression when one receives an LVAD or starts caring for someone who does.

In case of extreme stress or anxiety, it’s advised to get in touch with the medical team, friends, and family. A qualified counselor or a support group for LVAD users may also be of help.

Precautions One Must Take After Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)

Some of the major precautionary measures a patient must take after the LVAD procedure are:

  • Be timely with the medications.
  • Keep up a fit lifestyle
  • Controlling blood pressure is essential.
  • Always have a spare set of batteries and a controller on hand.
  • The device must always be connected to at least one of the power sources.
  • Keep the driveline connected to the pump and the controller.
  • Never unplug two power sources (batteries or power adapters) simultaneously.
  • Avoid stress and avoid living or working in a stressful environment.
  • Keep a healthy BMI.
  • Carry additional supplies
  • Safeguard the cables that are attached to the controller.
  • Safeguard the driveline
  • Don’t use the tubs or pools
  • No MRI

Benefits of Left Ventricular Assisted Device (LVAD)

The LVAD can be very helpful in some circumstances and has many advantages:

  • It can aid by increasing blood flow to various bodies organs, improving their functionality.
  • It can lessen the symptoms, which will improve the quality of life.
  • Patients who are not thought to be candidates for a heart transplant can receive treatment using it.
  • Even patients with advanced heart failure can benefit from it.
  • The patient’s heart might occasionally start beating normally again. Some VAD patients have been on support for up to seven years.

Time Span of an LVAD Support

  • A left ventricular assist device can support one for varying lengths of time.
  • It depends on the overall health, and the type of LVAD, whether it’s a bridge to transplant or destination therapy. The most recent technology has a long lifespan.
  • Some individuals have had LVADs for longer than seven years.

Success Rate of LVAD in India

  • A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is typically used to prolong a patient’s life until a suitable heart donor can be found.
  • LVADs can prolong a patient’s life by up to 5.5 years. A year after having an LVAD implanted, 80–85% of patients are still alive, and 70–75% of patients are still alive after two years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do LVAD operations count as open-heart procedures?

A: An LVAD must be implanted during open heart surgery, which takes 4 to 6 hours on average. The driveline of the LVAD is attached to the pump, and it is implanted within the body in the upper abdomen (near the heart).

Q: Is an LVAD the same as a pacemaker?

A: The functions of an LVAD and a pacemaker are distinct. While a pacemaker helps to correct a slow or irregular heartbeat, LVAD aids in the effective pumping of blood. A pacemaker produces electrical stimulation that controls the heartbeat rather than helping the heart to pump.

Q: When would a doctor’s consultation be necessary?

A: If any of these signs are noticed, it’s advised to get in touch with a medical professional right away:

  • Extreme fever
  • The cut opens
  • Drainage coming from the wound
  • Redness surrounding the wound
  • Feeling down or overburdened

Q: Does an LVAD serve as a substitute for the heart?

A: No. The left ventricular assist device is not a substitute for the heart. Blood is taken from your left ventricle and delivered to your aorta by the LVAD. It assists the left ventricle in pumping blood as the heart does.

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