Aortic Stent Grafting Overview
Aortic stent grafting, also known as endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) or thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), is a minimally invasive procedure to treat aortic aneurysms or dissections. It involves placing a stent graft (a tube made of fabric supported by a metal mesh) within the aorta to reinforce its wall, restore normal blood flow, and prevent rupture.
Indications for Aortic Stent Grafting
This procedure is typically recommended for:
- Aortic Aneurysms: Abnormal bulges in the aortic wall, commonly in the abdominal or thoracic regions.
- Aortic Dissections: Tears in the inner layer of the aorta causing blood to flow between layers.
- Traumatic Aortic Injury: Damage to the aorta from blunt trauma.
- Other Structural Conditions: Conditions requiring reinforcement of the aortic wall to prevent rupture.
Procedure Steps
- Preparation:
- The patient undergoes imaging tests like CT angiography to plan the procedure.
- General or local anesthesia is administered.
- Catheter Insertion:
- A small incision is made in the groin area to access the femoral artery.
- A catheter is guided to the affected segment of the aorta using fluoroscopic imaging.
- Stent Deployment:
- The stent graft is inserted through the catheter and expanded to seal off the aneurysm or dissection.
- Completion:
- Blood flow is redirected through the stent, reducing pressure on the weakened aortic walls.
- The incision is closed, and the patient is moved to recovery.
Recovery and Follow-Up
- Hospital Stay: Typically 1–3 days, much shorter than open surgery.
- Recovery Period: Full recovery takes about 2–4 weeks.
- Monitoring: Regular imaging (e.g., CT scans) is needed to ensure the stent remains in place and the aorta is stable.
Benefits of Aortic Stent Grafting
- Minimally Invasive: Reduced incision size, bleeding, and recovery time compared to open surgery.
- Shorter Hospital Stay: Patients can resume normal activities more quickly.
- Lower Risk: Less risk of infection, complications, or mortality in high-risk patients.
Risks and Complications
While generally safe, aortic stent grafting carries some risks:
- Endoleaks (persistent blood flow outside the stent)
- Graft migration or failure
- Blood vessel damage during catheter insertion
- Kidney complications due to contrast dye used in imaging
Cost of Aortic Stent Grafting in India
India provides advanced aortic stent grafting at affordable rates, making it a favored destination for medical tourism. The costs typically range between ₹5,00,000 and ₹12,00,000 (USD 6,000 to 14,500) depending on:
- Hospital and Surgeon: Renowned centers like Apollo, Fortis, and Narayana Health may charge more.
- Stent Type: The cost of stents varies based on their make (domestic or imported).
- Patient Factors: Pre-existing conditions and the complexity of the procedure can affect the total cost.
Why Choose India for Aortic Stent Grafting?
- Affordable Costs: 60–80% cheaper than Western countries.
- Expert Surgeons: Globally trained vascular and cardiac specialists with high success rates.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Modern imaging and minimally invasive tools.
- Comprehensive Care: Medical tourism services include end-to-end support, from travel to rehabilitation.
If you need further details about hospitals, surgeons, or post-operative care plans for aortic stent grafting, let me know!
The cost of aortic stent grafting (Endovascular Aneurysm Repair – EVAR or Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair – TEVAR) in India depends on several factors, including the type of stent used, hospital facilities, and surgeon expertise. The approximate costs are as follows:
Cost Range in India
- General Range: ₹5,00,000 to ₹12,00,000 (USD 6,000 to 14,500).
- Abdominal Aortic Stent Grafting (EVAR): ₹6,00,000 to ₹9,00,000 (USD 7,000 to 11,000).
- Thoracic Aortic Stent Grafting (TEVAR): ₹8,00,000 to ₹12,00,000 (USD 10,000 to 14,500).
- Influencing Factors:
- Type of Stent: Imported stents may increase the cost significantly.
- Hospital and Location: Premier hospitals in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore generally charge more.
- Patient-Specific Needs: Pre-existing conditions or complications may add to the total expenses.
Breakdown of Costs
- Pre-Procedural Expenses:
- Diagnostic tests (CT scans, angiograms): ₹30,000 to ₹50,000.
- Doctor consultations and evaluations: ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.
- Procedure Costs:
- Surgical costs (including stent grafts): ₹4,00,000 to ₹9,00,000.
- Anesthesia and medication: ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000.
- Post-Procedural Care:
- ICU charges (1–2 days): ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000.
- Follow-up consultations and imaging: ₹30,000 to ₹70,000 over 6 months.
Why Choose India for Aortic Stent Grafting?
- Cost-Effective: The cost in India is much lower compared to the US (USD 30,000–50,000) or Europe (USD 25,000–40,000).
- Expertise: Indian surgeons are internationally trained and experienced in endovascular procedures.
- Advanced Facilities: Hospitals like Fortis, Apollo, and Medanta use state-of-the-art equipment for stent grafting.
For personalized quotes or assistance in selecting a hospital, let me know, and I can guide you further!