Heart Surgery

Heart Surgery in India - How to Choose the Right Surgeon and Hospital

Choosing the right hospital for your heart surgery is an important decision. This short explains some of the key factors you may wish to consider when looking at options in India.

What to look for in a hospital

The hospital's infrastructure and services play a role in patient care and recovery.

• Surgical facilities. The hospital should have dedicated cardiac operating theatres. It also needs a modern cardiac catheterisation laboratory, or 'cath lab'.
• Intensive care. A specialised cardiac intensive care unit (ICU) is important for post-operative monitoring and recovery.
• Diagnostic support. Look for advanced imaging services like CT, MRI, and echocardiography. A 24-hour blood bank is also a standard requirement.
• Patient volume. Hospitals that perform a high number of cardiac procedures often have well-established care pathways.

Considering the cardiac team

Heart surgery is a team effort, led by the cardiac surgeon.

• The surgeon's experience. You can ask about a surgeon's experience with your specific condition and the proposed operation.
• The wider team. The team includes cardiac anaesthetists, perfusionists who run the heart-lung machine, and intensive care specialists.
• Nursing care. Experienced cardiac nurses are essential for your recovery, both in the ICU and on the ward.
• Rehabilitation. The availability of a cardiac rehabilitation programme can help support your recovery after you leave the hospital.

The suitability of any treatment, hospital, or surgeon depends on your specific medical condition and history. A final recommendation can only be made after a specialist has reviewed your medical reports and recent imaging scans.