- Extensive experience with Dr. Giuseppe Speziale practicing since 1997, ensuring skilled care in Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).
- Comprehensive care including cardiologist and anesthesiologist consultations, preoperative tests, and a private room for recovery.
- Short hospital stay of only 3 days, reflecting the efficiency and advanced techniques used in the TAVI procedure.
- Esteemed institution, Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy, renowned for its high-quality care, treating approximately 15,000 patients annually.
- Expert medical team of about 450 professionals, offering a wealth of knowledge and experience in patient care.
Discover the Best Clinics and Costs for Heart Valve Replacement in Italy 2024
7 Recent Heart Valve Replacement Reviews in Italy: Check Real Patient Experience
Сергей
• Heart Valve Replacement
Russian Federation
Jan 31, 2022
Salwa
• Consultation with a heart surgeon
Canada
Dec 18, 2023
Ioana Halunga
• Aortic valve insufficiency
Romania
Aug 3, 2021
Светлана
• Aortic valve insufficiency
Russian Federation
Apr 29, 2021
Liliya Karachentseva
• Aortic aneurysm surgery
Ukraine
Feb 28, 2024
Anonymous
• Open heart surgery
Romania
Jul 15, 2021
Heart Valve Replacement Overview in Italy
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This procedure repairs or replaces damaged heart valves, improving blood flow and patient health.
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The operation modifies heart valves to improve blood flow, employing minimally invasive techniques for quick recovery.
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The procedure replaces a failing heart valve using a catheter, reducing invasion and recovery time.
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The operation substitutes an impaired heart valve with a healthy one, enhancing blood flow and cardiac function.
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The operation, aiming at heart health, involves replacing a kid"s faulty mitral valve, improving blood flow.
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This operation replaces a child"s damaged heart valve, improving blood flow and overall heart function.
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This therapy mends heart valves, enhancing blood flow. It"s minimally invasive, less risky and involves quicker recovery.
- Bookimed services are free for patients.
- No extra fees, Pay only according to the clinic's bills.
- The price for medical services is the same as going directly to the clinic.
- Exclusive discounts can be provided for Bookimed patients.
- 100% secure payment process
Day 1
- Arrive in the country for heart valve replacement.
- Settle in the assigned accommodation.
- Meet with a medical assistant for language assistance if needed.
Day 2
- Undergo a CT angiography to evaluate heart condition.
- Consult with a cardiologist about your individual case.
- Receive a detailed plan for your heart valve replacement.
Day 3
- Undergo pre-operative tests such as blood tests and EKG.
- Meet with an anesthesiologist to discuss anesthesia options.
- Observe fasting and other pre-surgery instructions.
Day 4
- Undergo heart valve replacement.
- The surgery lasts about 4-6 hours under general anesthesia.
- Post-operation, stay in Intensive Care Unit for monitoring.
Day 5-6
- Move to a regular room for further recovery.
- Start walking with assistance to boost circulation.
- Receive pain management and wound care.
Week 2
- Continue with daily walking and light physical activities.
- Begin cardiac rehabilitation program if suggested by doctor.
- Monitor incision for any signs of infection.
Week 3-6
- Gradually increase physical activities as per doctor"s advice.
- Follow a balanced diet and take prescribed medications.
- Attend regular follow-up appointments with your cardiologist.
Week 7
- Return to work, depending on the nature of your job.
- Continue cardiac rehabilitation as advised by doctor.
Week 12
- Resume sports and strenuous activities with doctor"s permission.
- Complete cardiac rehabilitation program.
Remember, each patient"s recovery is unique and may vary based on their health condition and the complexity of the heart valve replacement.
How Much Does Heart Valve Replacement Cost in Italy? Find Out Now
updated 4/16/2024United States of America | Turkey | Mexico | |
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Heart Valve Replacement | - | from $12000 | - |
Pediatric Aortic Valve Replacement | - | from $15000 | - |
Pediatric Mitral Valve Replacement | - | from $15000 | - |
Plastic surgery for cardiac valve | - | from $8000 | - |
Replacement of the aortic valve | - | from $18000 | - |
Surgery for acquired valvular heart disease | - | - | - |
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) | - | from $30000 | - |
Valvuloplasty | - | from $8000 | - |
The total cost is calculated individually. It may range depending on your medical issue, doctor's qualification, procedure complexity and related complications (if they occur). You’ll get the exact price for a plastic surgery procedure after a consultation with a doctor. |
You can send us any of these diagnostic results: Echocardiography, Heart ultrasound, Coronary angiography, Complete blood count, etc. The doctor will analyze the structure and function of the heart valves, the blood flow through the heart, the size and shape of the heart"s chambers, and the levels of red and white blood cells.
Discover the In-Demand Heart Valve Replacement Packages of the Season
Best hospitals for aortic valve replacement are listed below. The rating is composed on patient reviews and expert opinion of Bookimed Medical Doctors. Success rate of the operation in leading hospitals is up to 92%. Complete rehabilitation takes up to 3 months.
Heart valve surgery is performed to treat conditions that appear if one or more valves don’t function properly. Such conditions may include loss of breath, loss of consciousness, chest pains. Some people have congenital valve malfunctions. During the operation, valves are either repaired or replaced with artificial ones.
Heart valve replacement at San Donato is carried out by a team of professional cardiac surgeons in the Cardiology Department. The procedure lasts for 3-5 hours. Its duration depends on patient’s particularities. A patient is connected to heart-lung bypass machine and is under general anesthesia the whole time. Operation success rate is up to 95%, complete rehabilitation takes 10-12 weeks.
Aortic valve replacement cost at San Donato is 2-3 times lower than in the USA. Doctors use the most advanced techniques and equipment.
accreditations:
The Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy is a first-aid facility accredited by the Italian National Health Service and provides high-quality medical care. Their highly trained medical and paramedical staff offer a range of treatments, including the Heart Valve Replacement procedure, under the guidance of Dr. Giuseppe Speziale. The procedure includes a consultation with a cardiologist and an anesthesiologist, preoperative tests, and an individual chamber during the 12 day stay in the hospital. Bookimed offers the Heart Valve Replacement procedure in Italy at the Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy to provide patients with the highest quality of care and best results.
Heart Valve Replacement | $39491.94 - $45896.04 |
Ospedale San Raffaele (San Raffaele Research Hospital) in Milan is one of the largest research hospitals in Europe. It applies ad hoc methods for rare immune system and genetic diseases treatment.
Among its achievements — the world's first stem cell therapy for patients with severe combined immune deficiency disorder (ADA-SCID).
Oncology, oncohematology, neurosurgery, neurology, cardiovascular surgery, urology, and gynecology are the strongest specialities here.
Surgeons of the hospital perform over 52,000 operations annually.
accreditations:
Heart Valve Replacement | $39491.94 - $45469.1 |
Founded in 1973 as the first hospital of GVM Care & Research, Maria Cecilia Hospital distinguished itself for its innovative techniques and highly complex procedures. Maria Cecilia Hospital represents the leading center in Italy for innovation in heart surgery for 50 years that handles over 15% of cardiac surgery operations in Italy.
The hospital has 211 beds, of which 24 for intensive care. It is among the few hospitals that use the Ozaki technique for the reconstruction of the aortic valve which does not require the implantation of biological or mechanical prostheses, but uses tissue taken from the patient's pericardium to create a "tailor-made valve“.
The Electrophysiology Department was among the first 14 centers in the world to implant the smallest pacemaker in the world, Micra is 93% smaller than conventional pacemakers, about the size of a large vitamin capsule, directly into the heart. The latest Gamma Knife Perfexion technology allows the treatment of brain lesions smaller than 3 cm in diameter makes it possible to avoid using a scalpel through the targeted administration of Gamma rays. Neurosurgeons make us of ORBEYETM, an innovative video-micro-surgical technique with a digital microscope with a 4K 3D orbital camera with an exoscopic approach, for the removal of extensive brain tumors.
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Get a Medical Assessment for Heart Valve Replacement in Italy: Select Your Expert from 3 Experienced Doctors
accreditations:
FAQ about Heart Valve Replacement in Italy
Heart surgery is performed when:
- patient’s condition is getting worse: pain becomes unbearable, risk of heart attack increases;
- if the state is already severe and regular medications don’t help;
- patient shows signs of valve dysfunction.
Additional examinations, medications, or lifestyle changes may be prescribed to avoid undergoing the procedure. Valve repair is a preferable alternative to replacement since it allows to preserve the heart and the valve. The procedure is performed on the open heart with the use of heart-lungs bypass machine. The success rate of the operation is up to 92%.
Indications and contraindications for heart valve replacement
Physicians make a decision whether a patient needs valve replacement based on examination results. In case of the following conditions, a doctor may prescribe the valve replacement:
- shortness of breath;
- chest pain or discomfort;
- arrhythmia;
- loss of stamina;
- lightheadedness;
- dizziness;
- swelling of feet or ankles.
Any patient with known heart issues must be cautious about above mentioned signs and perform check-ups whenever any of them manifest. Early diagnosis is crucial for this disease. Patients who are not aware of their condition, may suffer heart damage due to malfunctioning heart valves. This damage may lead to heart attacks, critical conditions and sudden death.
Contraindications for heart valve operation:
- oncology;
- conditions that predispose to bleeding (poor coagulation);
- HIV;
- severe infections (including STDs);
- renal dysfunction.
Operation
Minimally invasive replacement operation
The operation is performed while a patient is under general anesthesia. Heart-lung machine is used to sustain blood flow during the procedure. Minimally invasive surgery is conducted by a team of cardiac surgeons. Physicians utilize long instruments and optical devices that are inserted through a small incisions in patient’s chest. The procedure puts patient's body under less stress and is considered less risky.
Minimally invasive surgery presumes shorter patient hospital stay and quicker recovery.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI)
TAVR is a minimally invasive replacement of aortic valve. Sometimes referred to as “implantation”(TAVI). A catheter is utilized in this procedure. During the operation surgeons reach patient’s heart through a small incision in the chest or through the vein. Once in position, replacement valve is either self installed or expanded and set with a balloon. TAVR is used in patients who are at high risk of surgery-related complications. TAVR is also applied for biological valves replacement.
Replacement of the heart valve (operation on the open heart)
In cases when patient’s valve cannot be repaired, a replacement becomes viable. Damaged valve is removed and replaced with the mechanical or biological one. Biological valves are made of cow, pig, or human heart tissue. Biological valves degrade over time, so there will be a need for a replacement in 10-15 years.
Patients with mechanical valves need to take blood-thinning medicine for the rest of their lives to prevent formation of blood clots.
Surgeons will discuss all the details related to the valve type before the operation, including valve replacement surgery cost. Biological valves can be replaced utilizing catheters, without the need of open heart surgery.
Heart valve repair
Valve repair operation is always chosen over the replacement. This procedure may include:
- stitching holes in a valve;
- separating valve flaps that have grown together;
- tightening annulus muscle ring around the valve;
- replacement of supporting cords of the valve;
- reconnecting valve flaps;
- cutting out excess valve tissue.
Some procedures may be carried out with the use of catheter, guided through patient’s artery. For example, narrowed valve opening is treated with balloon valvuloplasty. During this operation, a balloon attached to the catheter is guided to the narrowed valve. The balloon is then inflated, expanding the valve and allowing blood to pass freely.
Preoperative preparation
Before the operation a patient undergoes standard examinations:
- ECG;
- blood and urine tests;
- chest x-ray.
Patients shouldn’t smoke 2 weeks before the operation, as it increases the risk of complications.
If the operation is not minimally invasive, a patient is administered general anesthesia and connected to heart-lungs bypass machine. After that, the repairs or replacements are done. When it’s over, the heart is started and a patient is disconnected from heart-lung bypass.
The operation takes 2-5 hours to complete, but may take longer if additional procedures are required.
Rehabilitation
Recovery
After the operation, a patient spends first 1-3 days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In-hospital postoperative stay lasts for up to 2 weeks. Physicians may assign a special exercise regimen or rehabilitation program to a patient. During hospital stay patient’s vitals are constantly monitored, any pain syndromes are treated with anabolics, and antibiotics are issued if any signs of infection manifest.
Recovery period varies depending on patient’s overall health state. On average, patients can return to non-physically demanding work 4-6 weeks after the operation.
Home care
Patients are usually dismissed from the hospital 2 weeks after the operation. Physicians recommend commiting to 150 minutes of exercise weekly. It is also advisable that a patient quits smoking and/or drinking. Bad habits are known to reduce replaced valve’s life time and cause complications.
If a patient has received mechanical valve, they should take blood-thinning medicine. Any doctor should be notified about that fact because thinned blood has greater potential for passing infections. Before performing any operations that may cause bleeding, patients need to be administered special antibiotic.
Outlook
The operation is considered low-risk and doesn’t put organism under too much stress. Patients must always stay on lookout for possible signs of heart valve malfunction, because there is a little chance that replaced valve will fail. Usually it happens with biological valves 10-15 years after the operation. The symptoms are typical for heart valve malfunction and include fatigue, short breath, and lightheadedness. In such cases it is advisable to undergo another operation.
Heart valve replacement surgery cost
Heart valve replacement cost is influenced by the following factors:
- Type of conducted operation. Minimally invasive mitral valve replacement costs more than procedures on the open heart. Heart valve surgery cost also depends on whether a valve will be repaired or replaced.
- Type of replacement valve. Biological valve replacement cost differs from mechanical aortic valve replacement cost.
- Patient condition. Tavr procedure cost may increase due to prolonged hospital stay. TAVR cost may also increase due to any additional received medicines.
- Additional operation. In some cases it may be viable to perform two operations in succession. For example, additional stenting or bypass surgery will increase mitral valve surgery cost.
- Hospital location. Heart valve repair surgery cost in the USA is 2-3 times higher than in India or Turkey.
How to receive valve replacement abroad?
Submit a request on Bookimed website and our Medical Coordinator will contact you at earliest notice. You will receive answers to all questions regarding cost of mitral valve replacement surgery, what type of procedure is suitable for you, etc. We will also help you to pick the best hospital for heart valve replacement surgery and process all your paperwork. If needed, you will receive assistance in acquiring of visa and transfer.
7 Recent Heart Valve Replacement Reviews in Italy: Check Real Patient Experience
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