CABG in India: Why Thousands of International Patients Choose Indian Cardiac Surgeons

Introduction

Coronary heart disease remains one of the primary reasons for deaths throughout the world. It affects millions of people annually and necessitates surgery in some cases. When opting for surgical treatment, the right choice of destination becomes an essential factor, besides finding the right doctor. CABG surgery in India has gained a good reputation among overseas patients in the recent decade as they provide quality care without much waiting time for treatment.

The reason why heart surgery in India is a great choice is the country's good reputation in medical tourism because of experienced surgeons, accreditation of Indian hospitals, and good equipment that allows doing all types of operations. Be it a traditional, minimally invasive or robot-assisted surgery – you can find everything under one roof.

This guide will provide you with information regarding why CABG surgery in India is chosen by patients from Africa, the Middle East, Europe and other parts of the world, as well as what you should do before, during and after surgery.

What is CABG Surgery? 

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), also known as heart bypass surgery, is a procedure that helps increase blood flow to the heart in patients whose one or more coronary arteries are either blocked or narrowed. These arteries help supply oxygen-filled blood to the muscles of the heart. When they are blocked owing to plaque formation, the heart might be deprived of sufficient oxygen, thus causing chest pains, breathlessness, or even a heart attack.

In the process of CABG surgery, the cardiac surgeon will create an alternative path for the blood flow through taking a healthy artery or vein from other parts of the body like the leg, chest, or arm. The graft used during the surgery will bypass the blocked portion of the coronary artery and enable efficient circulation of blood to the muscles of the heart.

The type of surgery done is either traditional open-heart bypass surgery, off-pump bypass surgery, or, where necessary, the robotically assisted CABG surgery which involves minimal invasion.

In case of advanced coronary artery disease in patients, CABG surgery in India provides experienced doctors, the latest surgical methods, and internationally acknowledged standards of treatment. Relief from symptoms, better functioning of the heart, improvement in quality of life, and prevention of heart problems in the future are among the main objectives of this procedure.

Who Needs CABG Surgery? 

The CABG procedure is usually recommended in patients suffering from moderate to severe coronary artery disease and those whose blood supply to the heart has been greatly reduced as a result of clogged or narrowed coronary arteries. Although there are various forms of treatment options available for most heart diseases including change of lifestyles, medications and angioplasty with the use of stents, some people may need surgery in order to maintain blood circulation to the heart.

If you suffer from the following conditions, then your cardiologist may advise you to undergo CABG:

• Several blocked coronary arteries which hinder blood supply to the heart.
• Very severe narrowing of the left main coronary artery which provides a considerable amount of blood supply to the heart muscles.
• Prolonged angina pectoris that fails to respond to medications or other forms of treatment.
• Angioplasty or stenting failure and recurring blockages in the artery.
• Coronary artery disease alongside diabetes where CABG will provide better results.
• Heart with a reduced functioning as a result of inadequate supply of blood to the heart muscle.
• Risk of heart attack due to multiple coronary artery blockages.

There are various criteria for a patient deciding to have CABG surgery which includes the number and site of blocked arteries, heart health, age, presence of other ailments, and overall health status of the patient. An assessment by a highly experienced heart surgeon will help identify if this surgery is the best treatment.

International patients who intend to go for CABG surgery in India can make use of the medical reports and diagnostic results that they have to get a recommendation from experts even before visiting India.

Why India Has Become a Global Hub for CABG Surgery

In the past two decades, India has risen to become one of the countries with advanced cardiac services. Hundreds of patients visit India annually to undergo their CABG surgery in India due to several reasons, including the availability of experienced specialists, state-of-the-art health facilities and high levels of patient focus.

• Highly Qualified Cardiac Specialists

The experience and expertise of Indian cardiac specialists are another factor that attracts many international patients to come for heart bypass surgeries. Most of the top cardiac surgeons in India have gained clinical experience and training in internationally known hospitals and are capable of evaluating the needs of each patient and recommending the right surgical approach.

• Internationally Accredited Health Care Facilities

Several hospitals and healthcare facilities in India have been accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and National Accreditation Board of Healthcare Facilities (NABH) and thus offer globally acknowledged standard services of quality and patient safety. Such facilities are usually fitted with dedicated cardiac units and operation theatres.

• Advancements in Surgical Technology

Heart centres in India provide a variety of treatments including bypass surgery, off-pump bypass surgery, and in some cases, robotic CABG surgery. The use of advanced imaging technology, minimally invasive surgeries, and advanced surgical tools ensures that the procedure is performed with utmost precision and helps in facilitating faster recovery for the patients who qualify for the same.

• Reduced Wait Time

While patients in many other countries can expect to wait for weeks or even months before getting their heart surgery done, the waiting period in India is usually far shorter, as they can get their procedures done just after being evaluated medically.

• Complete Treatment for Foreign Patients

Indian hospitals come with their own international patient departments that help in providing all kinds of medical documentation, appointment scheduling, translation services, and accommodation services to the foreign patients.

• Cost-Effective Treatment with No Deterioration in Quality

Yet another significant benefit of using the services of India for undergoing cardiac surgery is the opportunity to receive internationally acclaimed treatment in cardiology at comparatively less overall cost. Although costs can vary from one hospital to another, from one surgeon to another, and according to individual medical conditions of the patient, it is possible to have a good deal in India.

CABG Surgery Cost in India vs USA, UK & Other Countries

Apart from the technical skills of the medical professionals involved, other factors such as waiting period, standard of care provided, and total cost of treatment are also very significant for many international patients. This is yet another reason why CABG surgery in India has proved to be a very good option for patients looking for cutting edge cardiac treatment.

Although the coronary artery bypass graft India cost differs based on the hospital, experience of the cardiac surgeon, type of procedure involved, and health status of the patient, there is no doubt that the Indian hospitals provide great value when compared to the facilities in the Western countries. The patients get high standards of care, state-of-the-art medical technology, and expert cardiac surgeons, all this at a much lower cost.

The following table gives an approximate comparison between the cost of heart bypass surgery in India, USA, and UK. These are indicative costs and vary depending on the patient's medical requirements.

In regard to the cost of CABG in India for overseas patients, one should take into consideration the fact that the final cost will depend on various issues like the complexity of the procedure, the period of stay at the hospital, pre-surgical investigations, drugs, need for rehabilitation, and some other accompanying health problems.

Top Cardiac Care Destinations in India 

Some cities in India have developed into the best healthcare centres for advanced treatment of the heart. These centres are well known because of their expert specialists, modern infrastructure of medicine and hospitals that serve patients coming from other countries as well. If you need conventional bypass surgery, off-pump bypass surgery, or robotic CABG surgery, then these cities provide all the above-mentioned facilities of cardiac treatment.

Delhi-NCR

Delhi-NCR is among those places in India that is highly popular for the treatment of heart bypass surgery. This place is well known for having many multispecialty hospitals, cardiac institutes, advanced operation theaters and heart surgeons. 

Chennai

One of the best healthcare cities in India, Chennai is well reputed for its cardiac treatments. The hospitals have modern technology as well as cardiac teams.

Mumbai

Mumbai features advanced health care centers along with skilled cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, who have a very good success record performing several bypass surgeries per year. The well-equipped health care system of the city along with its good connections abroad makes it easy to choose for the patients coming from other countries.

Bengaluru

Bengaluru is yet another important center for advanced cardiac procedures, which is equipped with modern hospitals, minimal invasive surgery, and multidisciplinary teams of heart care professionals.

When selecting the best heart hospitals in India, the patient should pay attention not only to the geographical factors but also hospital certification, surgeon’s experience, technologies, and post-op care.

The CABG Treatment Journey in India: Step-by-Step 

It may sound daunting to travel to another country for your heart surgery, but when there is a proper treatment process in place, your experience will be a lot easier. The majority of the hospitals dealing with international clients have a defined procedure where every step is properly coordinated from the first visit to your recovery. This is what the usual process for patients undergoing CABG surgery in India involves.

Step 1: Analysis of Medical Reports and Online Consultation

Initially, you must provide necessary paperwork including reports of the angiography, ECG, echocardiography, the findings from your blood tests and history of the disease. All this data will be studied by a cardiologist who will evaluate the degree of the disease and its treatability.

Step 2: Development of Personalized Treatment Plan

After your reports have been analyzed, a treatment regimen will be created for you. It entails the selection of the surgery procedure to be undertaken, the period of stay in the hospital, recovery period, and further investigations, where necessary.

Step 3: Medical Visa & Arrangement of Travel

As a matter of fact, when patients from other countries come to India to have bypass heart surgery, it is highly probable that they may require a medical visa. Most of the time, medical facilitators and hospitals arrange for the visa process, travel requirements, lodging, transport to and from airports, and appointments..

Step 4: Hospital Admissions & Pre-op Investigations

The patient will first be admitted to the hospital in India and then subjected to various tests including blood tests, investigations for imaging, cardiac investigation, and consultations from the cardiac surgeons and anaesthesiologists prior to being operated on.

Step 5: CABG Surgery

This surgery is done by a cardiac surgeon through the appropriate method for that specific patient based on his/her condition. The methods may range from traditional surgery, beating heart surgery, to minimal invasive and robotic CABG surgery depending on the patient’s case.

Step 6: Post-operative Recovery and Hospitalization

Post-operatively, the patients are kept under close watch in the ICU before being moved to an ordinary ward. At this stage, the medical team will concentrate on pain control, wound healing, mobilization, and the overall recovery of the patient.

Step 7: Discharge, Rehabilitation, and Follow-up

Prior to discharge, the patients are instructed about the medicine, activities that should not be done, diet, and other follow-up instructions. Most of the hospitals also provide virtual consultation services after the patients go back home.

In case of adequate planning and organization, the treatment process of the international patients undergoing CABG surgery in India can become comfortable, organized, and concentrated on the best possible recovery.

CABG Surgery Recovery and Aftercare for Foreigners

Recovery from the CABG surgery procedure is a gradual and slow process which involves patience and correct supervision of medical professionals. Even though the surgery improves the blood flow to the heart, the post-procedure phase of recovery plays an equally important role in attaining maximum results from the procedure.

The immediate stage of recovery is characterized by close monitoring of the condition of the patient in the ICU, followed by moving to a regular hospital room once the condition stabilizes. While staying at the hospital, the doctors constantly monitor the functions of the heart, administer pain relief and encourage the patient to engage in some physical exercises.

The recovery period after the CABG surgery in India is different from one individual to another and depends on age, state of the general health, complexity of the procedure performed and existing diseases of the patient.

Prior to discharging the patient from the hospital, they receive comprehensive discharge instructions regarding:

• Schedule of medication
• Wound care and hygiene
• Healthy dietary suggestions
• Guidelines for physical activities and rehabilitation
• Schedule for follow-up consultations
• Signs which call for immediate medical assistance

The majority of hospitals also advise joining a cardiovascular rehabilitation program. Cardiovascular rehabilitation program is a combination of supervised exercises, nutrition counseling, lifestyle changes, and emotional support for the patients in order to restore strength and avoid any further heart disease.

Foreign patients do not have to worry about the follow-up treatment once they return to their country since many Indian hospitals provide remote consultations where they can consult their cardiac surgeon, talk about the course of recovery, check on medication, and solve other issues online without having to travel back to India.

Why Choose Welltara for CABG Surgery in India?

When you are planning to get treated abroad, it’s not just about selecting the hospital. In Welltara, we make the whole process hassle-free by offering end-to-end assistance to international patients who wish to go for CABG surgery in India. Be it the assessment of your medical records, the selection of the most experienced cardiac surgeon for your treatment, or the facilitation of your visa requirements, travel, accommodation, hospital coordination, everything else is taken care of by our team. Even post-treatment follow-ups and coordination with your doctors are made easy for you.

Conclusion

India has all these to offer including an expert team of specialists, internationally accredited hospitals, modern surgical techniques, and comprehensive patient care, thus making coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in India a great choice for overseas patients. In case you want to undergo heart bypass surgery, Welltara will help you get in touch with the best cardiologists.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it safe to go for CABG surgery in India?

Yes. Many Indian hospitals adhere to international protocols of treatment and are equipped with cardiac surgeons who work alongside advanced medical technology.

2. What is the time period that international patients have to spend in India after CABG surgery?

It depends on the speed of recovery, but your surgeon will advise you about the same according to your needs.

3. Can Welltara help me get a medical visa and travel assistance?

Yes. Welltara can guide and assist you in all the ways possible, including medical visa procedures and hospital coordination.

4. How much time does it take to get recovered after CABG surgery?

The recovery period differs from person to person, but most patients will be able to perform light activities after 6-8 weeks post-surgery. The recovery period will be based on general health status and compliance with the advice of the surgeon.

5. Why do international patients select India for CABG surgery?

The international patients choose CABG surgery in India due to expert cardiac surgeons, well-developed hospitals, quality healthcare facilities, and low-cost treatments available in India.