Cardiac Excellence in India – Why Should You Choose India for Heart Surgeries?

23 February,2024

Cardiac surgery, more commonly known as heart surgery, is a specialized medical procedure to manage various heart ailments. Renowned for high-quality care and affordable prices, India has become a global hub for different cardiology procedures. Today, the country boasts 50+ JCI-accredited hospitals and 5500+ heart specialists. Cardiac surgeons in India are well-trained and experienced in procedures ranging from simple angioplasty and CABG to complex heart transplants.

In this blog, we will learn about the recent advances in cardiology and what makes India the most popular option among cardiac surgery patients. 

Why is India the most Sought-after Country for Cardiac Procedures?

Cardiac surgeries play a vital role in managing several heart disorders. These interventions are necessary to improve the lives of patients. In recent years, India has bloomed as a global hub for heart surgeries. There are various reasons why patients from all over the world prefer traveling to India for cardiac procedures. These include – 

• State-of-the-art Infrastructure: Cardiology hospitals in India have world-class infrastructure. They have dedicated cardiac catheterization labs, cardiac intensive care units, and hybrid operating rooms. These facilities deliver the highest standard of care. The best cardiac surgery hospitals in India have been accredited by JCI and follow international quality standards.
• Skilled Medical Professionals: India has highly skilled cardiologists, surgeons, and nurses. Most heart specialists in India have been trained at reputed medical institutions and have extensive experience. Heart surgeons stay current with the latest cardiology advancements through continuous medical education. They are well-versed in managing complex cardiac cases.
• Cutting-Edge Technologies: Another advantage India offers in cardiology is using the latest cutting-edge technologies. Hospitals and doctors use these advancements in cardiac sciences to provide the best patient outcomes. 
• Affordable Treatment: The cost-effectiveness of cardiac procedures in India attracts patients from all over the world. The price of heart surgeries in India is considerably lower compared to many Western nations. However, the quality of care is not compromised at any point in the treatment.
• Minimal Waiting Time: The number of heart disorders is continuously rising. According to the World Health Report 2023, over 500 million people had cardiovascular diseases in 2023. Due to the high number of patients, the waiting time for surgeries is extended in many nations. However, the Indian healthcare system is developed in a way that the waiting time is much shorter. The patient coming to India for cardiovascular disease management receives timely care and treatment.
• Holistic Patient Care: Besides clinical services, Indian cardiology hospitals provide emotional and psychological support to their patients. The hospital's holistic treatment approach helps give all-around care to the patients, ultimately enhancing the treatment outcomes.
• Patient-Centric Approach: Patient's comfort, satisfaction, and safety are always kept first in India. Cardiologists and cardiac surgeons use patient-centric approaches to make tailor-made treatment plans. Personalized attention is paid to every patient, ensuring they receive comprehensive care throughout their stay.

What are the Latest Cardiology Advancements in India? 

The Indian healthcare system has significantly invested in modern medical technologies. Various innovative treatment modalities are now available in the country. Some of the latest technologies being used for cardiac disease management are - 

• Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery: Open heart surgeries are now being replaced with minimally invasive procedures. These surgeries do not require large cuts, have shorter recovery times, and lower risks. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and paravalvular leak closure are some cardiac surgeries done using minimally invasive techniques.
• Robotic Surgery: Robot-assisted cardiac surgery is a minimally invasive cardiac surgery. The surgeon uses robot arms to perform complex surgeries with smaller incisions. Mitral valve repair, arterial septal defect repair, septal myectomy, CABG, and removal of cardiac tumors can be performed using robotic arms.
• Innovative Imaging Techniques: The latest imaging machines available in India are 3 Tesla cardiac MRI, CT angiography, and 3D echocardiography. Using these, the surgeons get detailed scans and pictures of the heart. It allows for more accurate diagnosis, better treatment planning, and improved clinical outcomes.
• Regenerative Medicine: Regenerative medicine has been shown to regenerate damaged heart tissue and improve the overall functioning of the organ. Cardiologists in India are using stem cell therapy to minimize the risk of major cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, cardiac arrest, and coronary artery disease.
• Precision Medicine: Personalised or precision medicine is another innovative approach for treating various heart diseases. Cardiologists can decide the best course of action and make tailored treatment plans based on genetic testing. Patients receive individualized treatment specifically designed according to their genetic makeup and lifestyle. Precision medicine significantly improves therapy outcomes.
• Some Emerging Technologies: India is constantly exploring and using newer technologies in cardiac care. These include – 
  • Biodegradable Stents: These stents dissolve on their own after opening blockages. By using biodegradable stents, the need for repetitive surgery is reduced. It restores the normal vessel function and avoids complications involved in using metal stents.
  • 3D Printing: Creating 3D printed models of the heart using MRI scans helps better understand the disease and decide the best treatment approach. These models are more valuable than traditional imaging techniques like echocardiograms. 

What are the Top Heart Surgeries Performed in India?

Recent data shows that over 1,00,000 cardiac procedures are performed annually in India. This depicts the country's excellence and ability to handle even complex cases, making it a pioneer in the field of heart surgeries. The most common and frequently performed cardiac procedures are – 

• CABG: Statistics show over 60,000 coronary artery bypass grafting surgeries, or CABG, are performed annually in India. It is a standard procedure to treat narrowed/blocked arteries. The surgery works by bypassing the blockage and restoring normal blood flow. The heart surgeons in India are well-versed in off-pump and on-pump techniques and will choose the one that best suits the patient.
• Valve Replacements and Repairs: The heart has four valves. These valves would require repair or replacement if they get diseased/damaged. The cardiology hospitals in India offer minimally invasive techniques for valve replacement surgeries. Replacement options include biological valves, mechanical valves, and transcatheter valve replacement. 
• Angioplasty and Stenting: Coronary angioplasty is a surgery that involves opening up a clogged blood vessel using a tiny balloon. The procedure is usually followed by stent placement in which a small wire mesh tube is inserted in the coronary artery to prevent the chances of it narrowing again.
• Pacemaker Implantation: A pacemaker is a simple battery-powered device that is put under the skin near the collarbone. Pacemaker implantation surgery is recommended for patients having irregular and slow heartbeat. Indian cardiac surgeons can use single chamber, dual chamber, and biventricular pacemakers depending on the patient's condition and disease.
• Pediatric Cardiac Surgeries: Surgical interventions for infants and children with congenital heart defects are necessary for a healthier future. The pediatric cardiology hospitals in India provide specialized medical procedures for various congenital disorders. ASD/VSD device closure surgery is one of the most successful pediatric cardiac procedures, with a success rate of over 99%. 

Which are the Best Cardiology Hospitals in India?

Over 500 hospitals in India have dedicated departments for cardiology and cardiac surgery. Most of them are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and follow international quality standards. Some of the top cardiology hospitals in India are –

• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon: Established in 2007, Artemis Hospital is a JCI, NABH, and NABL-accredited multispeciality hospital. The Artemis Heart Center has successfully done 30,000+ cardiac procedures over the last six years. Services available at the hospital include complex invasive cardiology, noninvasive cardiology, cardiothoracic & vascular surgery, pediatric cardiology, and pediatric cardiac surgery.
• Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai: Inaugurated in 1950, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital is one of the best cardiology hospitals in India. It has 350+ beds and 11 operation theaters. The Heart Institute at the hospital offers a comprehensive range of cardiac services for managing various heart disorders like angina, coronary artery disease, congenital cardiac disease, valvular heart disease, rhythm disorder, and heart failure.
• MGM Healthcare, Chennai: MGM Healthcare is a super specialty hospital treating half a million patients yearly. The hospital has a dedicated coronary care unit, a catheterization unit, and modular operating rooms. It offers both invasive and noninvasive cardiac services. 
• Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi: The Fortis Escorts Heart Institute is a premier cardiology hospital, providing exceptional services for the last 34 years. It has 13 modern operating theaters and 5 cath labs. Standard procedures done at hospitals are shockwave coronary lithotripsy, laser angioplasty, TAVR, cardiac pacing, LVAD, heart transplant, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, and pediatric cardiac surgery.

Key Takeaway

The field of cardiology and cardiac surgery has seen remarkable growth in India, making it a popular choice among heart surgery patients. There are several advantages of undergoing cardiac procedures in India, which include access to cutting-edge technologies, state-of-the-art medical facilities, highly skilled surgeons, cost-effectiveness, and comprehensive patient care. Whether you require a routine check-up or a complex cardiac surgery, Indian hospitals use patient-centric approaches to provide quality healthcare services.