Heart Valve Replacement in Vietnam: Cost & Treatment

Heart valve replacement is one of the most important and life-saving cardiac procedures for patients experiencing severe valve stenosis, valve regurgitation, or combined defects. While the treatment traditionally required open-heart surgery, modern technologies—including minimally invasive valve replacement and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)—have transformed outcomes and recovery time.

Today, Vietnam has become a strong medical tourism destination for high-quality cardiac surgery. With internationally accredited hospitals, cutting-edge surgical suites, and experienced cardiothoracic surgeons, Vietnam offers excellent clinical outcomes at significantly lower costs compared to Western countries and Singapore.

This comprehensive 2000-word guide explains everything international patients need to know about Heart Valve Replacement in Vietnam, including the procedure, indications, recovery, risks, costs, and the best hospitals.

---

1. What Is Heart Valve Replacement?

Heart valve replacement is a surgical or minimally invasive procedure in which a damaged heart valve is removed and replaced with an artificial one. This treatment is recommended when a heart valve is severely narrowed (stenosis), leaking (regurgitation), or unable to function properly.

The heart has four valves:

• Aortic valve

• Mitral valve

• Tricuspid valve

• Pulmonic valve

While all valves can develop disease, the aortic and mitral valves are the most commonly replaced.

---

2. Types of Heart Valve Replacement Available in Vietnam

Vietnamese cardiac centers offer all modern techniques used worldwide.

(1) Mechanical Valve Replacement

• Made of durable materials like titanium or carbon.

• Suitable for younger patients.

• Lifelong durability (30+ years).

• Requires lifelong anticoagulation (warfarin).

(2) Biological (Tissue) Valve Replacement

• Made from animal tissue (porcine or bovine).

• Ideal for older patients or those who cannot take anticoagulants.

• Lifespan 10–20 years.

• More natural blood flow.

(3) Minimally Invasive Valve Replacement

• Smaller incision (5–7 cm) compared to sternotomy.

• Less blood loss.

• Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay.

• Available at Vinmec, Tam Anh, UMC, 108 Hospital.

(4) Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

A modern, catheter-based procedure suitable for:

• Aortic stenosis

• High surgical risk patients

• Elderly patients (70–90 years old)

No chest incision is required—valve is implanted through a catheter usually inserted at the groin.

Vietnam offers TAVI at top centers with fully certified interventional cardiology teams.

---

3. Who Needs Heart Valve Replacement?

Doctors may recommend valve replacement for patients with:

Severe Aortic Stenosis

• Thickened valve leaflets

• Reduced blood flow

• Symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting

Severe Mitral Regurgitation or Stenosis

• Valve doesn’t close properly

• Backflow of blood into the atrium

Congenital Valve Defects

Endocarditis (Valve Infection)

Calcium Buildup or Age-Related Valve Failure

Medical imaging such as echocardiogram, TEE, and CT scans helps determine whether valve replacement is needed.

---

4. Why Choose Vietnam for Heart Valve Replacement?

Vietnam has evolved into a regional cardiac center with high surgical success rates and affordable pricing.

✔ 1. World-Class Cardiac Surgeons

Many surgeons were trained in:

• France

• Japan

• South Korea

• Germany

• USA

They perform hundreds of valve surgeries annually, enhancing expertise and outcomes.

✔ 2. Modern Surgical & ICU Facilities

Hospitals use:

• Hybrid ORs

• 3D echocardiography

• ECMO support

• High-resolution cardiac CT and MRI

• Advanced anesthesia & monitoring systems

✔ 3. Affordable Costs

Vietnam offers the same medical technology with significantly lower treatment costs.

✔ 4. Fast Scheduling

Patients can typically undergo surgery within 3–7 days, unlike long waitlists in Australia, Canada, or Europe.

✔ 5. Excellent Support for International Patients

With MedtourVietnam support:

• 24/7 coordination

• Translation services

• Assistance with medical records

• Clear quotations before arrival

• Airport pickup and hotel recommendations

---

5. How Heart Valve Replacement Is Performed in Vietnam

Step 1: Pre-Operative Evaluation

Includes:

• Echocardiography

• Chest X-ray

• ECG

• CT scan (for TAVI)

• Blood tests

• Anesthetic evaluation

Step 2: Anesthesia

General anesthesia is used for open surgery; sedation for some catheter procedures.

Step 3: Surgical Procedure

Open-Heart Surgery

• Sternotomy (chest incision)

• Heart-lung machine support

• Removal of damaged valve

• Placement of new mechanical or tissue valve

Minimally Invasive Surgery

• A smaller incision (less pain, faster recovery)

• Performed through right mini-thoracotomy

TAVI Procedure

• Catheter inserted through femoral artery

• Valve deployed inside the existing valve

• No need for open-heart surgery

Step 4: Post-Operative ICU Care

• Monitoring for 24–48 hours

• Pain control

• Early mobility encouraged

Step 5: Recovery

• Hospital stay: 5–10 days (open surgery), 2–3 days (TAVI)

• Normal daily activity: 4–6 weeks

• Full recovery: 2–3 months

---

6. Advantages of Having Heart Valve Replacement in Vietnam

✔ High Surgical Success Rate

Vietnam’s major heart centers report 95–98% success rates for valve replacement procedures.

✔ Combination of Surgery + Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehab is available at top hospitals, assisting with faster recovery.

✔ Lower Infection and Complication Rates

Modern operating rooms reduce surgical risks.

✔ English-Speaking Teams

International patients can communicate clearly during the full treatment process.

✔ Full Transparency

Before arrival, you receive:

• Full cost estimate

• Proposed surgical plan

• Available valve types

• Expected recovery timeline

---

7. Risks of Heart Valve Replacement

Even with modern technology, valve replacement carries risks (as in all major cardiac surgeries):

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Stroke

• Arrhythmia

• Valve malfunction

• Need for reoperation

• Reaction to anesthesia

However, complication rates in Vietnam remain comparable to top hospitals in Singapore and South Korea.

---

8. Cost of Heart Valve Replacement in Vietnam (2025)

🇻🇳 Vietnam

• Mechanical or biological valve replacement: USD 10,000 – 18,000

• Minimally invasive valve replacement: USD 14,000 – 22,000

• TAVI procedure: USD 28,000 – 40,000

Comparison with other countries

💡 Patients typically save 50–70% by choosing Vietnam.

---

9. Best Hospitals in Vietnam for Heart Valve Replacement

1. Vinmec Times City International Hospital (Hanoi)

• High-end cardiac center

• Minimally invasive valve replacement

• TAVI-certified team

2. Tam Anh General Hospital (Hanoi & HCMC)

• Hybrid operating room

• Expertise in mitral and aortic valve surgery

• Advanced anesthesia and ICU

3. 108 Military Central Hospital (Hanoi)

• Strong cardiovascular institute

• Minimally invasive cardiac surgery

4. University Medical Center (HCMC)

• High-volume cardiac center

• Experienced cardiothoracic surgeons

5. Chợ Rẫy Hospital (HCMC)

• National referral center

• Excellent outcomes in complex surgeries

6. Bach Mai Hospital – Heart Center (Hanoi)

• Leading public cardiac center

• Valve repair and replacement expertise

---

10. Recovery After Heart Valve Replacement in Vietnam

Timeline for Open Surgery

• ICU: 1–2 days

• Hospital stay: 5–10 days

• Walking: Day 3–4

• Return to normal activities: 4–6 weeks

Timeline for TAVI

• ICU: few hours

• Hospital stay: 2–3 days

• Quick mobility within 24 hours

Medications After Surgery

• Anticoagulation (if mechanical valve)

• Heart failure medications

• Antibiotics

• Pain relievers

Follow-Up Care

• Echocardiogram after 1–3 months

• Regular check-ups every 6–12 months

---

11. Can International Patients Travel to Vietnam for Surgery Safely?

Yes. Vietnam is considered one of the safest and most cost-effective countries for cardiac surgery.
With MedtourVietnam support, patients experience:

✔ Seamless medical coordination

✔ No long waiting time

✔ Quick treatment plan

✔ Affordable accommodation

✔ Airport pickup & hospital escort

✔ Translation & documentation support

---

12. Why Heart Valve Replacement in Vietnam Is Gaining Popularity

Vietnam is increasingly chosen by international patients due to:

• State-of-the-art hospitals

• Advanced surgical programs

• Strong cardiology departments

• Lower costs and high value

• Competitive success rates

• Friendly patient-centered care

With these advantages, Vietnam is now a top cardiac surgery destination in Asia, comparable to Thailand, Singapore, and South Korea.

---

13. Conclusion

Heart valve replacement is a major but highly effective procedure that can dramatically improve quality of life and extend lifespan. Vietnam offers world-class treatment, modern technology, highly skilled cardiothoracic surgeons, and competitive pricing, making it an excellent choice for international patients seeking safe and affordable cardiac care.

Whether you require mitral valve replacement, aortic valve surgery, or a minimally invasive TAVI procedure, Vietnam provides reliable, efficient, and patient-friendly options with outstanding outcomes.