Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) with Cost

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

A septum is the muscle wall that separates the heart’s upper two chambers (atria).  An ASD is a congenital defect that occurs when the septum does not form properly and is present at birth. It is also known in layman’s language as a hole in the heart. The surgical procedure to fix the defect is known as Atrial Septal Defect Closure.

Some of the first symptoms shown by the patients suffering from ASD are abnormalities in heart sounds (a heart murmur or a whooshing sound) and palpitations. Children with ASD usually have normal health, some may encounter a few symptoms. Adults over 25 years may exhibit all the symptoms, like pneumonia (a common occurrence), breathing difficulties, heart palpitations, fatigue, and inadequate development.

When listening to the heart with a stethoscope, the doctor will hear a heart murmur or a whooshing sound. Atrial Septal Defects are heart abnormalities that arise during fetal development and are apparent at birth. The heart develops throughout the first eight weeks following fertilization. If a complication arises during this procedure, a hole in the atrial septum may ensue.

Most congenital heart problems are caused by a mix of genetics and other conditions involving the mother during pregnancy, such as drug, alcohol use, etc. Specific genetic abnormalities are responsible for about 10% of congenital heart defects.

Small Atrial Septal abnormalities may be discovered by accident and are never a cause for concern. The heart and lungs can be damaged by a big, long-term Atrial Septal Defect.

However, if the ASD is severe, blood may seep into the wrong chambers of the heart. This causes the heart and lungs to work harder, which can lead to Atrial Septal Defect complications like an atrial flutter, breathing issues, pressure in the lungs, etc.

Atrial septal abnormalities are the third most common congenital cardiac abnormality in children and the most prevalent in adults. Women are more likely than men to get the illness.

What is covered in the above mentioned cost for surgery?

This price includes surgery cost, doctor’s fee, standard prescribed tests and all standard expenses required at the hospital.

India, A Preferred Destination For Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

Thousands of patients with heart problems from India and overseas are treated each year by India’s best surgeons. As a result, the country is known around the world for its team of heart specialists and surgeons.

In the list of countries with the best cardiac care, India has taken one of the top spots. This is due in part to the fact that the best medical advice from some of the most experienced cardiac doctors is available round the clock.

Surgeons in India for Atrial Septal Defect closure are highly trained and qualified, and hold degrees from prestigious international and national institutions. They are known throughout the world for their expertise and understanding in this area. They collaborate with a team of additional doctors and nurses to provide comprehensive and effective care for their patients.

They provide the greatest clinical services to each and every patient, including medical and surgical interventions based on their diagnosis. These surgeons are trained in the use of novel technology and the most up-to-date techniques in the treatment of Atrial Septal Defects (ASDs).

Many of these surgeons have sub-specializations in the field of Atrial Septal Defect closure (ASD) and provide specialized care for their patients. In India, experienced surgeons are pioneers who are active in the creation of novel methods and endeavor to improve healthcare in society.

Furthermore, the low cost of Atrial Septal Defect closure in India together with the high Atrial Septal Defect closure success rate is one of the main reasons why hundreds of people fly from all over the world to have it. Some other reasons that make India the hub for ASD closure are affordable living costs and little-to-no waiting time for heart-related issues.

Additionally, patient assistance from beginning to end, great infrastructure, facilities at the hospitals, and other factors add to the positives. It helps people from all over the world choose India for their surgery.

Indian Medical Visa Process (India e-Medical Visa)

By default, the Indian government allows a medical visa to be valid for 60 days. However, India’s new visa policy allows the paper-based medical visa to be extended for up to 180 days.

Individuals can obtain an Indian Medical Visa by filling out an Indian Visa Application Form online.  This procedure will only take a couple of minutes. Then you have to make the payment through PayPal and provide the appropriate documents for treatment, such as a letter from a hospital. This process takes 72 hours to complete, and an accepted Visa is emailed to the concerned person.

Nationals of e-Visa India-eligible countries who require a Medical Visa may apply online using the online e-Visa India application form at https://www.indiavisa-online.org. A letter from the hospital in India where they intend to receive treatment is required.

The individual may also be requested to show proof that they have enough money to cover their medical expenses in India. They may also be asked to produce a return travel ticket to their native country once the medical treatment is completed. These papers can be faxed or emailed to the Help Desk, or they can be submitted to the website later.

One of the benefits of the Indian Medical Visa is that, unlike the 30-day Tourist Visa, which is only valid for two entries, it enables three entries into India during its 60-day duration.

The following conditions and requirements of the e-Visa for medical treatment must be understood and remembered as pointers:

• The Indian e-Medical Visa is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India.
• The e-Medical India Visa allows you to visit India three times.
• Individuals can apply for a Medical Visa up to three times per year.
• It is not possible to extend the electronic Medical Visa.
•  This visa is not convertible and cannot be changed to a tourist or business visa.
• It can’t be used to enter protected or restricted sites.
• Patients must show proof of financial support for their stay in India.
• During your trip to the airport, the patient must have a PDF or paper copy with you.
• On the e-Medical India Visa, patients can request a return ticket.
• There is no such thing as a group medical visa for India; each applicant must apply independently.
• On the day of arrival in India, the passport must be valid for at least six months.
• Individuals must have two blank pages in their passports so that immigration and border control personnel can stamp their passports at the airport for entry and exit.
• A regular passport is required to be presented. Indian Medical Visas cannot be obtained using diplomatic, service, official or refugee passports.
• Individuals must apply for a paper or conventional India Medical Visa rather than an electronic Medical Visa on the Govt. website if the treatment will continue longer than 180 days.

The website allows a person to apply online, and it will take you 3 to 5 minutes to finish the application. It is highly recommended that an individual applies for a Medical Visa in India online rather than visiting an Indian Embassy or High Commission.

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Procedure

Depending on the size of the hole in the heart and the general condition of the individual treatment for an Atrial Septal Defect will be decided upon.

During childhood, many atrial septal abnormalities close on their own. Some tiny atrial septal abnormalities may not require treatment. A cardiologist may advise having regular health examinations to monitor the condition.

When the child requires treatment, the doctor will discuss the same with the parents. Many persistent atrial septal abnormalities necessitate surgery in the end. If severe pulmonary hypertension is present, however, closure is not suggested.

There are no medications that can fix an Atrial Septal Defect, but they can assist to alleviate the indications and symptoms. Drugs to control the heartbeat or to lessen the danger of blood clots may be used to treat ASD.

Patients with big ASDs may require therapy that involves closing the opening with a patch during surgery or utilizing a gadget during cardiac catheterization. Atrial Septal Defect closure with the catheter approach is not indicated when the ASD is in an unusual position inside the heart. It is not suggested even when the patient has improper connections of the veins that cause the flow of blood from the lungs back to the heart (pulmonary veins). Then surgery is the only option.

There are many types of atrial defects. Some of them are:

• Secundum

This is the most common kind of ASD. It happens in the midst of the wall that separates the upper and lowers heart chambers, that is the atrial septum.

• Primum

This kind of ASD affects the lower section of the atrial septum and can arise in conjunction with other heart abnormalities.

• Sinus venosus

This uncommon ASD usually affects the upper portion of the wall that separates the heart chambers. It’s also linked to other structural changes in the heart that occur during birth.

• Coronary sinus

This is one of the rare kinds of Atrial Septal Defect, where part of the wall between the coronary sinus, which is part of the vein system of the heart, and the left atrium (upper heart chamber) is missing.

Pre-operative Procedure For Atrial Septal Defect Closure

Atrial Septal Defect closure can be accomplished via a variety of methods. It could necessitate open-heart surgery. It can sometimes be done with a minimally invasive treatment called cardiac catheterization, which involves threading a catheter from a vein in the groin up to the heart.

On the day of the surgery, the patient will be prepared for the same, and all the vitals will be checked before rolling the patient onto the operation theater.

An IV will be inserted into the forearm or hand by a specialist, and the patient will be given general anesthesia. The IV can also be used to provide anticoagulant medication to avoid blood clots. The patient may also be given medication to help avoid becoming infected.

Hair may be shaved from the area of the body where the treatment will be performed.

During The Procedure For Atrial Septal Defect Closure

In open-heart surgery, after the patient is put under general anesthesia, the cardiac surgeon makes a cut in the patient’s chest during open surgery. Because this operation is performed on a non-beating heart, a heart-lung machine is attached to the patient to ensure a steady flow of oxygenated blood to the body.

Depending on the size of the opening, the cardiac surgeon may use sutures or a patch to close it. The patch is most commonly utilized for bigger ASDs. The hole is totally covered by the heart tissues during the first six months after surgery.

The patient is eligible to get transcatheter ASD closure (Minimally Invasive heart surgery) if they have a smaller ASD. Additionally, they should have no cardiac issues that need to be addressed. This procedure is less intrusive and helps patients recover quickly.

The patient may be given sedative drugs or a general anesthetic for transcatheter ASD closure. The cardiologist will make a tiny incision in the femoral vein in the groin and, occasionally, in the femoral artery.

He then inserts a thin tube known as a catheter into the wound, which holds the closure device at the end. To guide the catheter and gadget down the vein to the heart, imaging technology such as echocardiography or X-ray is used. The closing device is inserted into the hole and the catheter is removed.

Compared to open surgery, this method allows patients to heal faster and experience less post-operative pain. As only minor incisions are performed, scarring will be minimal and barely apparent once the patient has recovered.

Post-Operative Procedure For Atrial Septal Defect Closure

After surgery, the patient usually spends 4-5 days in the hospital, where they are cared for by experienced medical personnel. To ensure that the hole in the heart is completely closed, medical assessments, including echocardiography, are performed. The cardiologist will check on the patient on a regular basis to verify that he or she is in good cardiac shape and that there are no signs of ASD recurrence.

To avoid blood clotting, the doctor will prescribe anticoagulants and pain relievers. It will take 1–2 months for the surgical wound to heal entirely. Depending on the type of defect, age, and other circumstances, follow-up care may be required.

Following ASD closure surgery, children only require occasional follow-ups, however, adults require more frequent check-ups to prevent future issues such as heart failure or hypertension.

Tips And Advice

After surgery, the patient is usually instructed to take a few drugs for a few weeks. Depending on the patient’s age, condition and recovery, the duration of the drugs may be shortened or eliminated entirely.

The patient must return to the doctor as directed for follow-up appointments. During the follow-up visit, the doctor may request a few tests to check for tissue healing and to see how the heart is working.

Upon reaching home it is advisable to keep the surgical area clean and dry. Specific bathing instructions will be prescribed by the doctor. If the sutures or surgical staples were not removed before leaving the hospital, the doctor will do so during a follow-up office appointment.

Do not drive until the doctor says it is safe. Other restrictions on activities may apply too. The overall health, age, and type of surgery will determine the Atrial Septal Defect closure recovery time for the patient. The patient may experience some swelling at the site of the operation. It’s natural. It’s possible that the wound will be inflamed, red and swollen.

The patient might become exhausted very fast, might not feel like eating much, might have trouble sleeping, etc. All of this is to be expected, and it will improve over time.

If the patient has surgical Atrial Septal Defect closure, they may need to limit their physical activity for a few weeks. Within one week after transcatheter closure, they should be able to resume their routine activities.

For several weeks, the doctor may urge the patient to avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds. Depending on the recovery of the patient, the doctor may advise resuming regular activity.

How can MyMedTrip.com help?

If you have decided to travel to India for Atrial Septal Defect surgery, you may contact us on our Whatsapp number +91 9818237391 or email us at hi@mymedtrip.com The first consultation arranged by us is free of cost! We also provide visa invitation letters and help in facilitating the medical journey to India.

Throughout the journey, you shall be provided with one of our staff members for proper guidance through linguistic barriers, even though most of the hospitals and doctors we feature are well versed with Arabic, Russian,Bengali, and English.

If you have any further queries or questions related to Atrial Septal Defect surgery  in India, please do not hesitate to email us at the aforementioned address.

Frequently Asked Questions about Atrial Septal Defect Closure

Is Atrial Septal Defect closure safe?

Secundum closure with a transcatheter device ASD is a maturing technology that has been around for more than a decade. This technique has gained popularity as a non-surgical alternative to surgery, and it is generally considered to be safe and successful.

With an Atrial Septal Defect, is it possible to live a normal life?

Several patients have been known to live for 80 years or longer with massive unrepaired flaws without experiencing serious handicaps.

How long does an Atrial Septal Defect closure take?

It will take roughly 2 hours to complete the repair. A small, flexible tube (catheter) will be inserted into an artery in the groin by the healthcare provider. A little device will be contained within this tube.

Is it possible to heal a hole in the heart without surgery?

Previously, closing an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) required open-heart surgery through a chest incision and the use of a heart-lung bypass machine. The recovery time for this treatment would be three to five days in the hospital. ASDs can now be closed without the need for surgery.

Is Atrial Septal Defect inherited?

The majority of ASD instances are not hereditary and happen by accident. Autosomal dominant inheritance appears to be present in some circumstances. Small ASDs may not require treatment because they usually resolve on their own. Open heart surgery or cardiac catheterization are used to close larger ASDs in children.

Is ASD a life-threatening condition?

The heart and lungs can be damaged by a significant Atrial Septal Defect that has been present for a long period. Chest pain, abnormal heart enlargement, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), heart failure, and heart fluttering (atrial fibrillation), are all life-threatening symptoms of ASD in extreme cases.

Is it possible for a hole in the heart to trigger a stroke?

A stroke is not caused by a hole in the heart. Rather, the hole allows a minute blood clot to flow from the right to the left side of the heart, causing a stroke if it travels to the brain.

Is it possible to live a regular life while having a hole in the heart?

Yes, it’s possible to go through life with a hole in the heart without even realizing it.

Is it possible for a closed hole in the heart to reopen?

It is very unlikely that a closed hole would reopen. There are currently no drugs that can be used to close the hole. If a child has an Atrial Septal Defect, the doctor may want to keep an eye on him or her for a while to see if the hole closes on its own. During this time, the health care provider may use medicine to treat symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms of a heart hole?

Some of the signs and symptoms include swelling of the legs, abdomen, or feet. It also includes shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, heart murmur, etc.