Interventional Cardiology vs Cardiac Surgery: Complete Package Guide

If you are looking for comprehensive cardiac surgery package in India, you would be one in thousands visiting for cardiac care. You can get access to state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled doctors who treat you at fraction of the cost in Western countries.

From travel, accommodation and world-class care, you can get the best of all in India. A global leader in cardiac care, India treats thousands annually with its advanced medical technology.

The following sections will take you through the different aspects of cardiac surgery. We will also list different pediatric cardiac surgery hospital in India.

What is Cardiac Surgery?

Also known as heart or cardiovascular surgery treats heart abnormalities through incisions and surgery. It can also include operating on major blood vessels which lead to and from the heart.

These surgeries correct a wide range of heart problems, from repairing damaged valves to blocked arteries. Cardiac surgery can correct heart defects that were present since birth (congenital).

Common types of heart surgeries include:

• Coronary artery bypass grafting creates a new pathway for blood flow to the heart, bypassing narrowed or blocked arteries. This is popularly known as CABG.

• Heart valve repair or replacement addresses issues with the heart valves that are not opening or closing properly.

• Aortic surgery repairs or replaces parts of the aorta, an essential artery.

• Congenital heart defect repair: Corrects structural abnormalities present at birth.

Interventional Cardiology vs Cardiac Surgery

While both Cardiac Surgery vs Interventional Cardiology deal with heart conditions, they employ different approaches:

• Cardiac surgery: It involves the traditional open-heart surgery where the chest is opened to access the heart. It also includes minimally invasive surgical techniques that use smaller incisions. This allows the surgeon to directly operate on the heart's structures.

• What is interventional cardiology - On the other hand focuses on the non-surgical aspect of treating heart conditions. For example, a blocked artery would be cleared by angioplasty and stenting in interventional cardiology.

While both restore the heart function, cardiac surgery is generally suggested for complex procedures that interventional cardiology cannot address. Interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons collaborate to determine the best treatment plan for each patient.

Read More - Hospitals that offers Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in India

Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery in India

There are numerous JCI and NABH accredited hospitals known for their cardiac departments. These hospitals have state-of-the-art infrastructure that supports top-quality cardiac care - be it interventional or cardiac surgery.

From advanced diagnostic imaging to hybrid operating theatres and dedicated cardiac ICUs.

Some of these include:

• Apollo hospitals, Chennai: A leading hospital with comprehensive cardiac center, it has highest success rates and advanced technology such as robotic surgery.

• Medanta, Gurgaon: A multi-specialty hospital with a strong cardiac institute, this facility excels in robotic cardiac surgery and complex procedures.

• Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi: Pioneer in cardiac care, this facility offers full spectrum of adult and pediatric cardiac surgery services.

• Narayana Health, Bengaluru: Known for its high-volume cardiac surgeries and cost-effective treatment models.

• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai: Offers advanced cardiac care and is a premier facility in Western India.

Which is the Best Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Hospitals in India?

• Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi: Highly acclaimed pediatric surgeons who have performed over 10,000 complex pediatric cardiac surgeries. An instrumental facility in Northern India with dedicated pediatric cardiac care program.

• Max healthcare, Delhi: Dedicated pediatric cardiac care units capable of handling complex congenital heart defects in babies and children.

• Apollo Children’s hospitals, Chennai: Offers comprehensive pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery services.

• Narayana Health, Bengaluru: High-volume care center for pediatric cardiac surgeries known for their expertise in affordable and high-quality care for children.

• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai: Strong pediatric cardiac team with rich experience in treating all types of congenital heart disease.

What does a Comprehensive Cardiac Surgery Package Include?

Medical tourism packages for cardiac surgery in India provide hassle-free experience for international patients. Specific inclusions in your package differ by facilitator and hospitals, a typical package includes:

1. Pre-departure services

This is the time when you choose the hospital as per your specific needs. How will you make the decision? Here are the steps:

• Tele-consultations: One of the biggest advantage of integrating technology in the medical sector is the ease of access. Initial video consultations with leading cardiac surgeons will help you understand the treatment options. They will assess the condition, provide a preliminary diagnosis and suggest some tests to conclude the diagnosis.

• Personalized medical opinion and cost estimates: Based on your medical reports, the doctor will provide you a detailed, transparent cost estimate for the entire treatment.

• Visa assistance: Guidance and necessary documentation (medical invitation letter) to obtain your Indian medical visa and medical attendant visa (if applicable).

• Flight booking assistance: You can also get support to arrange your flights to and from India.

• Hotel booking: Usually an accommodation near the hospital for you and accompanying family members are booked. This can range from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels depending on your preference and package.

2. Arrival & hospital stay

Once you’re here, you just have to focus on your treatment as everything else is pre-booked.

• Airport pick-up and drop-off: Dedicated transportation from the airport to your hotel and hospital, and back to the airport for journey back home.

• Hospital admission & support: Seamless admission process at the hospital often includes direct bedside admission in critical cases.

• Comprehensive treatment: As per the doctor’s treatment plan, once your admission is complete, the pre-surgical tests are begun. All necessary tests are done before the procedure and their cost may be included in the package or charged separately.

• Hospitalization: Coverage for your stay in the hospital for dedicated cardiac recovery units and private room. The duration of hospital stay varies depending on the procedure, for example, CABG typically requires 5-7 days of hospital stay.

• Post-surgical monitoring: Intensive care and monitoring in the cardiac ICU post-surgery.

• Medications: Essential medications administered during your hospital stay.

• Nursing care and medical supplies: All standard nursing care and medical supplies used during hospitalization are included here.

• Rehabilitation: Initial post-operative physiotherapy and cardiac rehab sessions during your stay may be required depending on your condition.

• Interpreter: You get access to interpreters who can facilitate communication.

• Patient coordinator: Whether you’re opting for a medical tourism company or direct hospital, you get a patient coordinator who acts as the single point of contact.

3. Post-discharge services

• Post-discharge stay for your recovery period after hospital discharge, typically for 10-15 days or more before you get clearance to fly back home (Fit to Fly certificate).

• Follow-up consultations may be arranged virtually if you get the fit to fly certificate and return home.

• Dietary guidance: You can get personalized dietary advice to maintain the recovery.

What is the Cost of Cardiac Surgery in India

The package prices vary, but an approximate cost may be as follows:

• Interventional cardiology procedure such as angioplasty and stenting can cost around $1,800-2,800.

• Cardiac surgery such as CABG can cost around $6,500-$7,500. It can vary depending on the requirement such as single, double, triple or quadruple bypass.

• How much does pediatric heart surgery cost? A common issue such as a hole in the heart can cost around $5,500-$7,000.

Note: These are estimated costs and vary depending on the condition, diagnosis, treatment plan and lastly the doctor and hospital for the surgery.

Can interventional cardiologist do surgery?

Interventional cardiologists usually collaborate with cardiac surgeons to develop treatment plans in some cases. They do not perform cardiac surgeries.