A Comprehensive Guide to Heart Transplant in India

Ever felt like your heart was failing you? For those with end-stage heart disease, each day can be a struggle. But what if there was hope? What if you could get a second chance at life? Enter heart transplants in India. You might be wondering, "Why India?" Well, did you know that India has become a global hotspot for complex medical procedures, offering world-class care at a fraction of the cost? In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about heart transplants in India. From finding the right hospital to understanding the procedure and recovery process, we've got you covered. Ready to explore how India could be the answer to your heart problems?

Heart Transplant Procedure in India

A heart transplant is a highly specialized surgical procedure performed to replace a failing or diseased heart with a healthy donor heart. This procedure is typically recommended for patients with end-stage heart failure or severe coronary artery disease when all other treatments have been exhausted. India has emerged as a top destination for heart transplants due to its advanced medical infrastructure, skilled surgeons, and cost-effective healthcare services.

Pre-Transplant Evaluation

Before the transplant, patients undergo a thorough evaluation to determine their eligibility. This includes:

1. Medical History and Physical Examination: Assessing the overall health and specific heart condition.
2. Diagnostic Tests: Including blood tests, echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (EKGs), and cardiac catheterization to evaluate heart function.
3. Psychological Evaluation: Ensuring the patient can handle the emotional and psychological aspects of a transplant.
4. Financial Counseling: Discussing the costs and funding options for the procedure and post-operative care.

Waiting for a Donor

Patients are placed on a transplant waiting list until a suitable donor heart becomes available. The wait time can vary based on factors like blood type, body size, and urgency of the condition.

The Transplant Procedure

Once a suitable donor heart is found, the transplant surgery is performed, which involves the following steps:

1. Anesthesia: The patient is placed under general anaesthesia.
2. Incision: A vertical incision is made down the chest to access the heart.
3. Connection to Heart-Lung Bypass Machine: The patient is connected to a heart-lung bypass machine to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation during the surgery.
4. Removal of Diseased Heart: The diseased heart is removed, and the donor heart is prepared for implantation.
5. Implantation of Donor Heart: The donor's heart is carefully stitched into place, connecting the major blood vessels.
6. Restarting the Heart: The new heart is restarted, and the patient is gradually taken off the heart-lung machine.
7. Closing the Incision: The chest is closed, and the patient is taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) for monitoring.

Post-Transplant Care

Post-operative care is critical to the success of the heart transplant. It includes:

1. Monitoring and Recovery: Patients stay in the ICU for close monitoring. This includes regular check-ups, blood tests, and heart biopsies to check for signs of rejection.
2. Medications: Lifelong immunosuppressive medications are required to prevent the body from rejecting the new heart.
3. Lifestyle Changes: Patients are advised to follow a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid infections.
4. Regular Follow-ups: Frequent follow-up visits are necessary to monitor the patient's health and the function of the new heart.

India offers a comprehensive approach to heart transplants, combining advanced medical technology, experienced healthcare professionals, and cost-effective treatment. With top-notch hospitals, skilled surgeons, and a supportive care system, patients from around the world are choosing India for this life-saving procedure. Whether you are considering a heart transplant for yourself or a loved one, India provides a viable and promising option for a new lease on life.

Top Doctors for Heart Transplant in India

1. Dr. Devi Shetty - Narayana Health, Bangalore
2. Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan - MGM Healthcare, Chennai
3. Dr. Naresh Trehan - Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon
4. Dr. Sandeep Attawar - Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai
5. Dr. Y. K. Mishra - Manipal Hospital, Delhi

Top Hospitals for Heart Transplant in India

1. MGM Healthcare, Chennai

Vision:
To be the most admired and preferred healthcare institution.

Mission:
Improving lives through outstanding healthcare.

Commitment:

• Upholding the highest ethical standards.
• Delivering quality healthcare through a dedicated team.
• Investing in advanced medical practices and research.
• Providing exceptional value to all stakeholders.

Values:

• Primacy of the Patient: Focus on patients' health and welfare.
• Respect: Valuing respect in all interactions.
• Altruism: Embracing altruism in our service.
• Integrity: Promoting transparency and accountability.
• Collaboration: Working together as a competent team.
• Excellence: Striving for continual improvement and innovation.

Services: Abortion/MTP, complicated pregnancy, fertility procedures, laparoscopic gynaecology, PCOD/PCOS, dysmenorrhea, uterine fibroids, amenorrhoea, endometriosis, osteoporosis, hysteroscopy, obstetrics & gynaecology, fertility, maternity care, maternal ICU, infertility evaluation, general gynaecology, high-risk pregnancy, menstrual disorders, OP/IP, emergency, ICU, multi-organ transplant, blood bank, laboratory, imaging, orthopaedics.

2. Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai

• Name: Gleneagles Global Health City
• Address: Perumbakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
• Country: India
• Treatment Availability: International

About Hospital:

• Gleneagles Global Health City is located in a sprawling 21-acre facility in Perumbakkam, Chennai.
• It is the largest facility of Gleneagles Global Hospitals India, with a capacity of over 1000 beds and accreditations from leading agencies.
• Known as Asia’s most trusted and leading Multi-Organ Transplant Centre, the hospital has undertaken several path-breaking liver, neuro, heart, lung, and kidney procedures.
• Recognized by several international and national accrediting agencies.
• Features world-class infrastructure, a dedicated staff, and a commitment to medical excellence.
• The hospital has several notable achievements and continues to pioneer new procedures.

Team and Specialty:

• Comprises a team of highly skilled and dedicated medical professionals specializing in various fields.

Infrastructure:

• World-class infrastructure supporting a wide range of medical services.

Number of Beds:

• 1000

3. Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

Apollo Hospitals on Greams Road in Chennai was established in 1983 by Dr. Prathap C Reddy. It was India's first corporate hospital and is acclaimed for pioneering the private healthcare revolution in the country. Over the years, Apollo Hospitals has risen to a position of leadership, emerging as Asia's foremost integrated healthcare services provider.

Location

• Address: 21 Greams Lane, Off Greams Road, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006, India
• City: Chennai
• Country: India

Hospital Features

• Established Year: 1983
• Treatment Availability: International
• Hospital Category: Medical
• Status: Active
• Visibility on Website: Yes

About Apollo Hospitals

Apollo Hospitals has a robust presence across the healthcare ecosystem, including hospitals, pharmacies, primary care, and diagnostic clinics. The Group also has telemedicine units across 10 countries, health insurance services, global projects consultancy, medical colleges, Med-varsity for e-learning, colleges of nursing, and hospital management.

Team and Specialties

• Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery: Apollo Hospitals hosts one of the largest cardiovascular groups globally, with around 14 world-class institutes, over 400 cardiologists & cardiac surgeons, and 200 heart stations.
• Robotic Spinal Surgery: Among the few centres in Asia to perform this advanced procedure, Apollo is at the forefront of spinal disorder management.
• Cancer Care: A 300-bedded, NABH-accredited hospital providing advanced technology in diagnosis and radiation, supported by an oncology team of renowned specialists and well-trained medical and paramedical professionals.
• Gastroenterology: Offers the latest endoscopic procedures for gastrointestinal bleeding, cancers, foreign body removal, etc.
• Transplant Institutes: The Apollo Transplant Institutes (ATI) is one of the largest, most comprehensive, and busiest solid transplant programs globally.
• Liver Surgery: Equipped with a 320-slice CT scanner, a state-of-the-art Liver Intensive Care Unit & Operation Theatre, and various surgical tools to enable safe & bloodless liver surgery.
• Neurosurgery: Recognized as a leader in acute neurosurgery, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, is among the top hospitals specializing in neuro care worldwide.

Infrastructure

With the experience of over one million health checks, Apollo Hospitals has emerged as a key player in the corporate healthcare sector. Over 500 leading corporates, across all industry segments, have tied up with Apollo Hospitals, providing their employees ready access to sophisticated medical facilities at over 64 locations in India. The corporate services initiative of Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, aims to provide world-standard healthcare within the reach of every individual.

4. Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram

Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in Gurgaon is a premier multi-super specialty, quaternary care hospital. Known for its international faculty and reputed clinicians, including super-sub-specialists and speciality nurses, FMRI is supported by cutting-edge technology. The hospital aims to be the 'Mecca of Healthcare' for the Asia Pacific region and beyond.

Location

• Address: Sector - 44, Opposite HUDA City Centre, Gurgaon, Haryana - 122002, India
• City: Gurgaon
• Country: India

Hospital Features

• Established Year: 2001
• Number of Beds: 1000
• Number of ICU Beds: 81
• Operation Theaters: 15
• Hospital Category: Medical

Specialties

FMRI excels in several medical specialities, including:

• Neurosciences
• Oncology
• Renal Sciences
• Orthopedics
• Cardiac Sciences
• Obstetrics and Gynecology

These specialities leverage advanced technology and top clinicians to deliver exceptional healthcare services.

Team and Expertise

• International Recognition: FMRI has been ranked No.2 of the 30 most technologically advanced hospitals in the world by ‘topmastersinhealthcare.com,’ surpassing many other outstanding medical institutions globally.
• Patient Care: Fortis hospitals treat over 3.5 lakh patients annually, relying on reputed clinicians, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and world-class technology such as the Da Vinci robot, ensuring patients go home healthy.
• Innovative Initiatives: FMRI's initiatives range from customized preventive health checks to quaternary care provided by super-specialized clinicians conducting rare and complex surgeries.

About Fortis Healthcare

FMRI is a flagship hospital of Fortis Healthcare, one of the top healthcare providers in India. Fortis Healthcare is known for its commitment to quality healthcare and patient safety, making FMRI one of the most sought-after medical destinations in the region.