Cost of Surgical Treatments for Aortic Valve Stenosis

Aortic valve replacement surgery is a well-established procedure for treating aortic valve stenosis. The cost of the surgery can vary depending on the type of valve used and the surgical approach. Below is a detailed breakdown of the average costs associated with different types of aortic valve replacement procedures in China.

Traditional Aortic Valve Replacement

Mechanical Valve Replacement: When undergoing a standard aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve, the total cost typically ranges around RMB 80,000, assuming there are no complications during the surgery or recovery period.

Biological Valve Replacement: Choosing a biological valve adds more variation in cost due to the range of available options. Common biological valves include bovine (cow) and porcine (pig) valves, with prices ranging from RMB 20,000 to RMB 60,000 depending on the brand and quality. On average, patients should expect to pay an additional RMB 30,000 to RMB 50,000 compared to mechanical valve replacement.

Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery

Minimally Invasive Valve Replacement: This procedure involves the use of peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass, requiring specialized cannulas and techniques. As a result, the cost of this advanced surgical method is approximately RMB 90,000 to RMB 100,000, which is about RMB 10,000 higher than traditional open-chest surgery.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

Latest Interventional Procedure

Transcatheter or Transapical Aortic Valve Replacement: This is a relatively new and less invasive option for high-risk patients who are not suitable for traditional open-heart surgery. Due to the advanced technology and expensive bioprosthetic valves used in this procedure, the overall cost is significantly higher—typically around RMB 300,000.

These costs can vary depending on the hospital, surgeon, geographic location, and whether additional treatments or complications arise during the hospital stay. Patients are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider and insurance company to better understand the financial aspects of aortic valve replacement surgery.