Surgical Ventricular Resection (SVR) in India: Advanced Treatment for Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

SVR is primarily indicated for patients with heart failure resulting from ischemic cardiomyopathy, where reduced blood supply—usually due to coronary artery disease or a previous heart attack—leads to ventricular dilation and remodeling. This structural damage reduces the heart’s pumping efficiency and contributes to symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen
• Chest pain (angina)
• Decreased exercise tolerance

SVR improves cardiac output by removing scarred tissue and reshaping the left ventricle to a more functional geometry.

Patients who are ideal candidates for SVR typically exhibit:

• Left ventricular dilation with an ejection fraction (EF) of 35% or less
• A history of myocardial infarction
• Persistent congestive heart failure symptoms
• Viable surrounding myocardium (assessed via imaging)

Proper patient selection is critical, as SVR is most beneficial when the remaining heart muscle is still capable of functioning effectively.

A combination of clinical evaluation and cardiac imaging is used to assess suitability for SVR:

• Echocardiogram: Assesses chamber size, valve function, and scarred areas
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Identifies past heart attacks and arrhythmias
• Cardiac MRI or CT: Offers detailed structural and functional data
• Coronary Angiography: Detects coronary artery blockages; often used when SVR is combined with CABG

SVR is a complex open-heart surgery, often performed in conjunction with Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) or mitral valve repair.

Steps of the Procedure:

• General Anesthesia and Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A heart-lung machine maintains circulation while the heart is stopped.
• Surgical Access: The chest is opened via a median sternotomy.
• Excision: Non-functional or scarred tissue in the left ventricle is carefully removed.
• Reshaping: A synthetic or pericardial patch is used to reconstruct the ventricle into a more efficient shape.
• Additional Repairs: CABG or valve repair is performed as needed.
• Closure: The heart is restarted and the chest closed.

Recovery Time:

• ICU stay: 1–2 days
• Hospitalization: 5–7 days
• Full recovery: 6–8 weeks with gradual cardiac rehabilitation

• Improved Ejection Fraction: Average improvement from ~30% to nearly 40%
• Relief from Symptoms: Significant reduction in shortness of breath and fatigue
• Better Quality of Life: Improved exercise tolerance and physical activity
• Potential Long-Term Gains: Some patients see enhanced survival, especially when SVR is paired with CABG

Outcomes can vary. The STICH trial, a landmark study, found no significant improvement in survival or symptoms in all patients when SVR was added to CABG. However, many centers report excellent results with proper patient selection.

Like all major cardiac surgeries, SVR carries some risks:

• Bleeding or infection
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Stroke or other surgical complications
• Limited benefit in patients with very low EF or diffuse heart damage

A comprehensive evaluation by a cardiac team is essential before proceeding with this procedure.

India is a global leader in cardiac surgery, and SVR is no exception. Here’s why international patients trust India:

• Globally Trained Surgeons: Many cardiac surgeons have trained in the US, UK, or Europe.
• High Surgical Volumes: Indian hospitals perform thousands of open-heart surgeries annually.
• Advanced Infrastructure: Modern cath labs, hybrid operating rooms, robotic systems, and cardiac ICUs
• Cost Advantage: Up to 80% lower than treatment costs in the US or Europe
• Seamless International Care: With VRH Healthcare, you get full support—from visa assistance to post-op follow-ups

VRH Healthcare partners with the most reputable cardiac centers, including:

• Apollo Hospitals (Delhi & Chennai)
• Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi
• Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi

All are NABH or JCI-accredited, ensuring global standards of care.

Note: Final cost may vary based on hospital, location, surgeon, and complexity. In contrast, SVR in the US may cost upwards of $100,000–$200,000.

Post-operative care is vital to recovery:

• Regular follow-ups and echocardiograms
• Medications for heart rhythm and function
• Lifestyle modifications: low-salt diet, exercise, smoking cessation
• Rehabilitation guidance for safe return to normal activities

VRH Healthcare ensures continuity of care with remote consultations and documentation support for follow-up in your home country.

We make your SVR journey smooth and stress-free with:

• Personalized Cost Estimates
• Medical Visa Assistance
• Doctor and Hospital Selection
• Travel and Accommodation Coordination
• Language Interpretation Services
• Post-Treatment Follow-Up

Surgical Ventricular Resection is a powerful solution for select patients with ischemic heart failure. With the right diagnosis, expert surgical care, and comprehensive aftercare, patients can see significant improvements in heart function and daily life. India offers this advanced procedure at a fraction of the cost without compromising on quality or safety.
At VRH Healthcare, we are committed to helping international patients access the best cardiac treatment in India, backed by trusted hospitals and world-class specialists.