Atrioventricular Canal Repair Surgery, is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting a congenital heart defect referred to as Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) or AV Canal Defect. This defect is typically present from birth and is characterized by openings between the heart’s chambers and irregularities in the valves that regulate blood flow within the heart.

Want to know more about the price of AV canal repair surgery cost in Turkey? Here on this page we will explore and give you details about the cost of AV canal repair surgery in Turkey, the factors that can affect the cost, why AV canal repair is required, and how the treatment is done.

What is an AV Canal Defect?

Atrioventricular canal defect is a congenital heart condition that involves one or more abnormalities in the heart’s central structure. This type of heart defect is present at birth, meaning it is inherited from the time of delivery. The term “congenital” indicates that the child is born with this condition, which leads to the formation of significant openings in the septum that divide the heart’s right and left sides. Additionally, there are complications with the valves that control blood flow within the heart.

This defect allows an increased volume of blood to flow into the lungs, which can put additional strain on the heart, potentially causing the heart muscle to enlarge due to the extra workload.

If not diagnosed and treated, an atrioventricular canal defect can lead to serious complications such as heart failure and elevated blood pressure in the lungs. Treatment typically involves surgery performed during infancy, usually within the first year of life, to close the heart’s openings and repair the affected valves.

What is the Cost of AV Canal Repair Surgery in Turkey?

AV canal repair surgery cost in Turkey starts from $9,000 to $11,000 but can vary based on factors like the hospital, surgeon, and patient’s condition.

Treatment Stay for AV Canal Repair Surgery in Turkey

• Duration of hospital stay: 7 to 10 days
• Required post-surgery follow-up stay: 10 days
• Overall stay in Turkey for AV Canal Repair: 21 days

What are the Symptoms of AV Canal Defect?

Atrioventricular canal defects can range in severity, affecting either just the two upper chambers of the heart or all four chambers. This condition is associated with increased blood flow to the lungs, which is observed not only in emphysema but also in chronic bronchitis. The symptoms that develop can differ based on whether the defect is partial or complete.

Complete Defect

In a complete atrioventricular canal defect, all heart chambers are involved. This condition typically manifests early in life, often within the first few weeks. Symptoms are generally akin to those of heart failure and may include:

• Cyanosis or a bluish-grey skin tone due to insufficient oxygen in the bloodstream.
• Difficulty breathing or Cheyne-Stokes respiration.
• Excessive perspiration.
• Tiredness.
• Irregular or rapid heart rate.
• Decreased appetite.
• Poor weight gain.
• Swelling in the lower limbs which can affect the legs, ankles, and feet.
• Wheezing.

Partial Defect

A partial atrioventricular canal defect affects only the two upper chambers of the heart. Symptoms may not appear until early adulthood and can arise from issues such as heart valve disease, pulmonary hypertension, or congestive heart failure. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness.
• Nausea and loss of appetite.
• A persistent cough or wheezing.
• Irregular heart rhythms, characterized by a rapid or erratic heartbeat, known as arrhythmia.
• Decreased exercise tolerance.
• Shortness of breath.
• Swelling in the lower limbs, including the legs, ankles, and feet.
• Chest discomfort or pain.

Factors that can Affect AV Canal Repair Surgery Cost in Turkey

Several important factors can influence the cost of AV Canal Repair Surgery in Turkey:

1. Hospital and Medical Facility: The type of hospital selected (whether private or public, and whether it is internationally accredited or local) significantly impacts the overall cost. Facilities that provide advanced pediatric cardiac care and intensive care unit (ICU) services may have higher fees.
2. Surgeon’s Expertise: Surgeons with extensive experience in pediatric cardiothoracic procedures and a strong success record may charge higher consultation and surgical fees.
3. Patient’s Medical Condition: The complexity of the AV canal defect, the patient’s age, and any additional health issues (such as Down syndrome or pulmonary hypertension) can lead to increased pre-operative and post-operative care requirements, thereby raising the cost of AV canal repair surgery in Turkey.
4. Pre-Surgical Evaluation: The necessity for diagnostic tests such as echocardiography, cardiac MRI, CT scans, blood tests, and other assessments will contribute to the total expenses, depending on their scope.
5. Length of Hospital Stay: Children who undergo AV canal repair may need an extended stay in the ICU and hospital after surgery, which will directly affect the overall cost of AV canal repair surgery in Turkey.
6. Post-Operative Care & Medications: Expenses may rise based on the need for medications, rehabilitation, follow-up appointments, and any complications that may occur post-surgery.
7. Additional Services for International Patients: Services such as translation, accommodation, airport transfers, and visa assistance for families traveling from abroad can also add to the total package AV canal repair surgery cost in Turkey.

If you would like a detailed cost breakdown or a comparison of hospitals in Turkey, please let us know.

How is an AV Canal Defect Diagnosed?

In certain instances, a complete atrioventricular (AV) canal defect may be identified during fetal ultrasound or echocardiography. A specialized fetal heart program can facilitate the development of a delivery plan and ensure appropriate care for the newborn immediately after birth.

Occasionally, the physician diagnosing your baby in the hospital may be a pediatrician. For example, a primary care pediatrician might detect a heart murmur along with other symptoms in your child.

The diagnosis of AV canal defects may involve some or all of the following tests:

• Echocardiogram: This ultrasound technique creates an image of the heart.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test provides a digital record of the heart’s electrical activity.
• Chest X-ray: An imaging test to visualize the heart and lungs.
• Pulse oximetry: A non-invasive method to measure blood oxygen levels, often used during physical activity.
• Cardiac catheterization: A procedure where a thin tube is inserted through a vein or artery in the leg or through the umbilical area.
• Cardiac MRI: This imaging technique produces a three-dimensional view to highlight any heart abnormalities.

How is AV Canal Repair Surgery Conducted?

AV Canal defects can only be addressed through open-heart surgery. In cases where an infant exhibits severe symptoms or experiences elevated pulmonary blood pressure, it is preferable to perform the surgery during infancy.

Step 1: The surgeon begins by closing the large opening using one or two patches. Over time, the heart’s lining will grow over the patch, integrating it as a permanent component of the heart.

Step 2: The surgeon then separates the single valve that exists between the heart’s upper and lower chambers, creating two distinct valves that closely resemble normal valves.

Step 3: If the infant is critically ill or has a defect that may be too intricate to repair at such a young age, a temporary procedure may be necessary to alleviate symptoms and reduce pulmonary pressure.

Step 4: This procedure, known as pulmonary artery banding, constricts the pulmonary artery to decrease blood flow to the lungs.

Once the child is older, a subsequent surgery is performed to remove the band and permanently correct the AV canal defect through open-heart surgery.

Also Read:- AV Canal Repair Surgery Cost in India

Why is it Important to Avoid Postponing Surgery for Atrioventricular Canal Defect?

Atrioventricular Defects can be classified as either Complete or Partial. The potential complications associated with Atrioventricular Canal Defect include:

• Heart Enlargement: Increased blood flow through the heart forces it to exert more effort than usual, leading to an enlarged heart.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: This condition arises when a defect allows oxygen-rich blood to mix with oxygen-poor blood, resulting in excessive blood flow to the lungs and increased pressure within them.
• Recurrent Respiratory Infections: A defect in the heart can result in frequent lung infections.
• Heart Failure: If left untreated, an Atrioventricular Canal Defect can impair the heart’s ability to pump sufficient blood to fulfill the body’s requirements.

A Note From Medsurge India

Medsurge India collaborates with top cardiac surgeons in turkey specializing in AV Canal Repair Surgery, boasting extensive experience in handling complex cases and achieving high success rates. We partner exclusively with leading doctors and hospitals in Turkey that possess state-of-the-art medical facilities essential for intricate cardiac procedures.

Our deep understanding of the global healthcare landscape, combined with our strong relationships with premier hospitals for AV Canal Repair Surgery, allows us to offer services at reasonable, affordable, and transparent costs.

You are welcome to submit your medical reports for AV Canal Repair Surgery to Medsurge India. We will provide complimentary medical opinions and treatment plans from the finest cardiac surgeons in Turkey. Regardless of your health condition, Medsurge India ensures you receive excellent healthcare options along with cost benefits.