A heart transplant is a life-saving procedure for people with severe heart failure or damage that cannot be treated with medicines or other surgeries.
In this surgery, a diseased heart is replaced with a healthy donor heart to restore normal blood circulation and improve quality of life.
At Medicover Hospitals, our expert cardiac surgeons, advanced ICUs, and compassionate care team provide safe, ethical and affordable heart transplant procedures to help patients live longer, healthier lives.
What is a Heart Transplant Surgery?
A heart transplant is a major surgical procedure where the failing heart is replaced with a healthy donor heart. It is usually performed when all other treatments like medications, stents or bypass surgery no longer work.
The surgery helps patients with:
End-stage heart failure
Severe coronary artery disease
Cardiomyopathy (weak heart muscle)
Congenital heart defects are not repairable by other means
This procedure offers a new chance at life for patients suffering from chronic or irreversible heart disease.
Why is Heart Transplant Surgery Required?
A heart transplant is a major surgical procedure where the failing heart is replaced with a healthy donor heart. It is usually performed when all other treatments like medications, stents, or bypass surgery no longer work.
The surgery helps patients with:
Have end-stage heart failure not helped by medicines, stents or bypass surgery.
Suffer from severe cardiomyopathy (very weak heart muscle).
The average heart transplant surgery cost in India is typically in the range of Rs. 20,00,000 to Rs. 35,00,000, depending on the hospital, complexity and post-operative care needs.
This figure covers major expenses, but final costs vary by case. For patients needing mechanical support, such as ventricular assist devices or a total artificial heart, artificial heart transplant cost or device implantation is usually higher and varies widely. Discuss details with your transplant team.
Basic Cost Components
Pre-transplant evaluation, such as Tests, scans, and specialist assessments
Surgeon and surgical team fees
Operating room and ICU charges during and after surgery
Donor heart retrieval and transport (logistics and preservation)
Anesthesia, medicines and consumables used during surgery
Disclaimer: These are estimates for guidance. The actual heart transplant surgery cost in India depends on many factors. Always request a personalised estimate from the hospital.
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The total heart transplant surgery cost in India is influenced by many elements:
Patient condition and complexity: Sicker patients need more ICU time, extra tests or procedures, which raises cost.
Hospital level and facilities: Tertiary centres with advanced ICUs, ECMO, and transplant teams generally have higher charges.
Surgeon and team expertise: Highly experienced transplant surgeons may have higher professional fees.
Donor logistics: Retrieval, transport and organ preservation add to expense, especially if long-distance transfer is needed.
Length of ICU and hospital stay: Longer ICU or ward stays increase the bill. Complications that prolong stay add significantly to the cost.
Post-operative care and medicines: Lifelong immunosuppressant drugs and frequent monitoring are an ongoing cost after transplant.
Use of mechanical support: If a ventricular assist device or temporary artificial heart is needed before transplant, costs will be higher. (See note on artificial heart transplant cost.)
Geographic location: Costs are usually higher in metro cities compared with smaller towns.
Insurance and schemes: Type of coverage, pre-authorization and claim limits affect out-of-pocket expense.
Risks Associated with Heart Transplant Surgery
A heart transplant is lifesaving but carries essential risks. These include:
Organ rejection: The body may recognize the new heart as foreign and try to reject it. Lifelong medications help reduce this risk, but regular checkups are needed to monitor your body's response.
Infection: The medicines that prevent rejection also lower the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Preventive care, hygiene, and early treatment are essential.
Bleeding and clotting problems: These can occur during or after surgery and need prompt care.
Complications from medicines: Immunosuppressants can cause side effects like kidney problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
Graft dysfunction or failure: Rarely, the transplanted heart may not perform as expected.
Other surgical risks: Reaction to anesthesia, lung or kidney issues, and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
Your transplant team will explain risks in detail, use proven methods to reduce them, and monitor you closely after surgery.
Recovery After Heart Transplant
Immediate: 1-2 weeks in hospital, including ICU monitoring.
Short term: Gradual increase in activity under supervision; start cardiac rehabilitation.
Long term: Regular follow-ups, lab tests and lifelong medications. Many patients return to a productive life within months with good care.
Insurance and Financial Guidance
Many health insurance plans in India may cover part or all of heart transplant costs. Our financial counsellors can help you:
Understanding your insurance coverage and the required paperwork
Estimating the total cost of treatment
Planning payments for a smooth and stress-free process
For exact figures on heart transplant cost or artificial heart transplant cost, consult the hospital's transplant coordinator.
Why Choose Medicover Hospitals?
Experienced transplant surgeons and cardiac team
Advanced ICU and transplant infrastructure
Comprehensive pre- and post-transplant care
Transparent cost estimates and patient support
Dedicated counselling and rehabilitation services
We aim to combine clinical excellence with compassionate care to support patients and families through the transplant journey.
A heart transplant usually takes about 4 to 6 hours. The duration can vary depending on the condition of the patient and surgical complexity. After surgery, patients are closely monitored in the ICU for recovery.
Recovery after a heart transplant may take several months. Most patients stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 weeks and continue follow-up visits, medication and rehabilitation for up to 6 months to regain full strength.
Yes, a heart transplant is a major and complex surgery performed to replace a failing heart with a healthy donor heart. It requires skilled surgeons, advanced facilities, and careful post-surgery monitoring for success.
During the surgery, patients are under general anesthesia, so there's no pain. Some discomfort, soreness, or fatigue is normal during recovery, but pain is well managed with prescribed medications and care.
After surgery, patients stay in the hospital for recovery and monitoring. Regular follow-ups, medications to prevent rejection, healthy lifestyle changes and cardiac rehabilitation are essential for long-term success.
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