Aortic Valve Replacement (Surgical)
主动脉瓣外科置换
Duration
3-5 hours surgery + 7-14 days hospitalization
Recovery
6-8 weeks; 3 months for full recovery
Savings
~83% vs US
Average savings compared to US prices
Open-heart surgical replacement of a diseased aortic valve with a mechanical or biological prosthesis. Chinese cardiac surgery centers, led by Fuwai Hospital, perform thousands of valve replacements annually with outcomes comparable to top Western centers.
Pre-Operative Evaluation
Echocardiogram, coronary angiography, pulmonary function, and discussion of valve type (mechanical vs bioprosthetic).
Duration: 2-3 daysValve Replacement Surgery
Median sternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass, excision of diseased valve, and implantation of prosthetic valve.
Duration: 3-5 hoursICU & Ward Recovery
ICU monitoring for 1-2 days, ventilator weaning, chest tube management, and progressive mobilization.
Duration: 7-14 daysDischarge & Rehabilitation
Anticoagulation protocol (if mechanical valve), cardiac rehabilitation referral, and follow-up echocardiogram schedule.
Duration: 6-8 weeks recovery- 80-85% cost savings compared to surgical AVR in the US
- Fuwai Hospital and Zhongshan Hospital have world-class surgical outcomes
- Both mechanical and biological valve options available
- Combined with CABG if coronary disease present — no separate surgery needed
- Major open-heart surgery with standard cardiac surgical risks
- Mechanical valves require lifelong anticoagulation (warfarin)
- Biological valves may require replacement in 10-20 years
- Post-operative complications include bleeding, infection, arrhythmia
Prices shown are approximate ranges for reference only. Actual costs vary by hospital, complexity, and individual patient needs. Always consult with healthcare professionals for medical decisions.