Congenital Heart Defect Repair
先天性心脏病修复
Duration
3-8 hours surgery; 1-3 weeks hospitalization
Recovery
2-4 weeks ICU and ward; 2-3 months to full recovery
Savings
~75% vs US
Average savings compared to US prices
Surgical and interventional repair of congenital heart defects including atrial/ventricular septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of great arteries, and complex single-ventricle palliation. China's pediatric cardiac surgery centers, particularly Fuwai Hospital and Shanghai Children's Medical Center, perform over 10,000 congenital heart surgeries annually with outcomes matching top international programs at a fraction of the cost.
Cardiac Diagnostic Workup
Echocardiography, cardiac CT/MRI, cardiac catheterization if needed, and genetic testing for associated syndromes
Duration: 2-3 daysSurgical Planning Conference
Multidisciplinary team review including pediatric cardiac surgeon, cardiologist, anesthesiologist, and intensivist
Duration: 1 daySurgical Repair
Open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass for definitive repair, or staged palliation for complex defects
Duration: 3-8 hoursPost-operative Care & Recovery
Pediatric cardiac ICU monitoring, ventilator weaning, hemodynamic optimization, and progressive mobilization
Duration: 1-3 weeks- Extremely high-volume centers with excellent outcomes data
- Full range of repairs from simple to ultra-complex available
- Interventional catheter options minimize invasiveness for select defects
- Cost savings of 70-85% compared to US surgical programs
- Open-heart surgery carries risks of bleeding, infection, and arrhythmia
- Complex repairs may require multiple staged surgeries
- Long-term follow-up needed for valve function and growth
- Possible neurological effects from cardiopulmonary bypass in infants
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.