What is Heart Transplant Surgery?
A heart transplant is a major surgical procedure that replaces a failing or severely diseased heart with a healthy donor heart. It is typically recommended for patients with end-stage heart failure who have not responded to medications or other interventions. This life-saving surgery helps restore heart function, improve quality of life, and extend survival.
The procedure involves removing the recipient’s damaged heart and implanting a matched donor heart, typically after brain death has been declared and organ donation consented. It is performed under general anaesthesia and takes around 4–6 hours, followed by close monitoring in a cardiac intensive care unit (ICU).
Candidates for heart transplant are carefully selected based on organ compatibility, medical urgency, and overall health status. Immunosuppressive medication is required lifelong to prevent rejection of the donor heart.
Why Choose India for Heart Transplant Surgery?
India has emerged as a preferred destination for heart transplant surgery due to its combination of internationally trained cardiac surgeons, accredited tertiary care hospitals, and significantly lower treatment costs. Delhi-based Tier 1 private hospitals such as Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Apollo Hospitals (Delhi), Max Super Speciality Hospital (Saket), and BLK-Max Hospital provide:
- Experienced heart transplant teams with high success rates
- Advanced infrastructure including dedicated transplant ICUs
- Ethical organ allocation through NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization)
- Comprehensive post-transplant care with strict infection control
- International patient coordinators
Crucially, the cost of heart transplant in India is just a fraction of the cost in the US or Europe, making it a financially viable option for international patients seeking quality care without long waiting lists.
Cost & Duration Summary
Average Cost in India: USD 30,000 – 50,000
Hospital Stay Required: 2 – 4 weeks
Post-Treatment Stay in India: 3 – 6 months (for follow-up & recovery)