We help patients who need heart valve surgery in Turkey choose a hospital and a cardiac surgeon for open valve replacement or minimally invasive TAVI. First a doctor reviews your test results, then you compare programs from several hospitals.
12,000+ patients since 2016
No mark-up: you pay the clinic directly
Coordinating doctor 7 days a week
About us
Experts Medical is an international medical service for treatment and surgery abroad. Your personal doctor-coordinator helps you choose a doctor for the best possible outcome, arranges your medical trip and supports you before, during and after treatment. Since 2016 we have helped 12,000+ patients, and we represent 300+ leading clinics worldwide.
Heart valve surgery in Turkey is done either as open surgery or through a catheter (TAVI). The method and the type of valve depend on the kind of valve damage, your age and general health, and you can find a specialist to assess your case among the cardiac surgeons in Turkey.
Open valve replacement
the classic operation through a chest incision
The surgery is done under general anesthesia with a heart-lung machine: the surgeon removes the damaged valve and secures the implant. It usually takes about 3 hours.
Transcatheter implantation (TAVI)
aortic valve replacement without opening the chest
The new valve is delivered through a blood vessel on a catheter, so recovery is usually shorter. It is not suitable for everyone and is often considered for aortic stenosis or to replace a worn biological valve.
Mitral valve replacement is needed for severe leakage or narrowing of the valve between the left atrium and ventricle. The surgeon chooses the approach and extent of surgery based on the echocardiogram.
A mechanical heart valve lasts a long time and resists wear. After it is implanted, you need to take anticoagulants permanently to prevent blood clots.
Biological valve
made from human or animal tissue
It usually does not require permanent anticoagulants but wears out over time: according to the hospitals, it lasts about 7 years. A worn valve can be replaced again, including with TAVI.
Cardiac check-up
heart examination before surgery
In Turkish hospitals, a cardiac check-up can be completed in 1 day. Its results help the cardiac surgeon choose the surgical method and the type of valve.
Which treatment methods suit your case?
Our doctor-coordinator will review your medical records and find a specialist to assess your treatment options.
A CLINIC FOR YOUR DIAGNOSIS
Best hospitals for heart valve replacement in Turkey
Why we suggest these clinics
When selecting clinics, our doctor-coordinators consider the specialists' experience in treating heart valve disease, the clinic's capabilities and our experience supporting patients there. We recommend a specific doctor and clinic after reviewing your medical records.
Why patients consider this hospital for valve replacement
A dedicated cardiac surgery center
The Acibadem group runs specialized centers for cardiac surgery, oncology and other complex fields. Its hospitals are among the Istanbul medical centers that foreign patients choose most often for heart valve replacement.
About the clinic, certification and services+
Acibadem is the largest medical group in Turkey and receives more than 40 thousand patients from different countries every year. The network includes 22 university hospitals in 5 countries and is accredited by Joint Commission International.
Certificates and accreditations
ISO 27001 Information Security Management System
Quality Management System Certification for compliance with ISO 9001 in the German accreditation system DAkkS
Joint Commission International
ISO 15189
The World's Best Hospitals 2019
Additional services:
Transfer from / to the airport · Visa assistance · Personal assistant · Internet · Reservation of accommodation and airline tickets · Translator · Accommodation for accompanying person · Single room
Cost and terms depend on the medical case and are specified in the treatment plan.
Over 65 departmentsRobotic surgeryJCI accreditation
Why patients consider this hospital for valve replacement
A multidisciplinary hospital for complex surgery
The hospital has more than 65 departments and focuses on complex surgical procedures. Liv Hospital is one of the Istanbul hospitals in demand among foreign patients who need a heart valve replaced.
About the clinic, certification and services+
Liv Hospital Ulus is one of the leading medical centers in Turkey and holds JCI accreditation. The hospital actively introduces innovative treatment methods, and the coordinator agrees on the department and surgeon for your case before you travel.
Certificates and accreditations
JCI American Medical Facility Accreditation
Additional services:
Transfer from / to the airport · Visa assistance · Personal assistant · Internet · Reservation of accommodation and airline tickets · Translator · Accommodation for accompanying person · Single room
Cost and terms depend on the medical case and are specified in the treatment plan.
Multidisciplinary hospitalJCI accreditationTransfer and interpreter
Why patients consider this hospital for valve replacement
International standards and patient services
The hospital is JCI-accredited and equipped for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Hisar is one of the Istanbul centers that foreign patients choose most often for heart valve surgery.
About the clinic, certification and services+
Hisar Intercontinental Hospital is a modern multidisciplinary medical center in Istanbul. Many of its doctors trained abroad, and international patients are offered transfers, interpreters and comfortable accommodation.
Additional services:
Transfer from / to the airport · Visa assistance · Personal assistant · Internet · Reservation of accommodation and airline tickets · Translator · Accommodation for accompanying person · Single room
Cost and terms depend on the medical case and are specified in the treatment plan.
Why patients consider this hospital for valve replacement
A private hospital with a cardiology profile
The hospital specializes in cancer, cardiac, orthopedic and neurological conditions. It is located in Sakarya, about 45 minutes from Istanbul.
About the clinic, certification and services+
Adatip is a private multidisciplinary medical center founded in 1995. It treats adults and children in more than 40 fields, and its quality is confirmed by ISO certification.
Certificates and accreditations
ISO 10002
ISO 9001
Additional services:
Transfer from / to the airport · Visa assistance · Personal assistant · Internet · Reservation of accommodation and airline tickets · Translator · Accommodation for accompanying person · Single room
Cost and terms depend on the medical case and are specified in the treatment plan.
The heart valve replacement cost depends on the surgical method (open surgery or TAVI), the type of valve (mechanical or biological), the hospital and the length of stay. The hospital gives the exact price after reviewing your test results: we send you programs from several hospitals so you can compare prices and what is included. Experts Medical services are free for patients, and you pay the hospital directly.
Prices are approximate. The final cost depends on your personalized treatment plan and the services included.
Doctor selection and support are free of charge for you.
No markups. You pay for treatment directly at the clinic.
How the price is formed and what the budget includes
What affects the cost
The treatment method and extent, the chosen clinic, the length of hospital stay and the need for additional tests.
Which medical expenses to check
Tests, doctors’ fees, inpatient stay, medication and follow-up consultations. What is included depends on the program.
Which travel expenses to plan for
Flights, accommodation outside the clinic, transfers, an interpreter and a companion’s stay. The doctor-coordinator will clarify what is included in the offer and what is paid separately.
SPECIALIST DOCTORS
Cardiac surgeons in Turkey for heart valve replacement
Our medical board selects a doctor experienced in treating your specific diagnosis. We rely on the results of their previous patients, the clinic's capabilities and your budget.
25+years of experience
Cardiac surgery · repeat valve surgery
Ali Fedakar
Cardiovascular surgeon
Professor who performed nearly 4,000 open-heart surgeries between 2005 and 2017. Performs repeat valve surgery and was part of a heart transplant team.
Experience and achievements+
In 2001, he took part in the establishment of the Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic at SSK Sureyapasha Hospital and contributed to the establishment of the Cardiac Surgery Department. In addition, Professor Ali Fedakar established cardiovascular surgery clinics at Giresun State Hospital and Sinop State Hospital and performed the first surgical procedures there. Between 2005 and 2017, he performed nearly 4,000 open-heart surgeries. From 2010-2015, he participated in the heart transplant team at the Kartal Kosuyolu Higher Specialized Education and Research Hospital and performed heart transplants as the primary surgeon on 8 patients.
Specialization:
coronary bypass surgery;
minimally invasive heart surgery;
beating heart bypass surgery;
repeated valve surgery (second or third heart surgery);
aortic surgery;
abdominal aortic aneurysm;
aortic dissection surgery;
heart transplantation;
all methods of peripheral surgery.
Education:
1998 – Cukurova University, Clinic of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine
Professional experience:
Bilecik State Hospital;
Kocaeli SSK Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic;
Istanbul Sureyapasha Hospital SSK, Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic;
Istanbul Pasabahce Hospital SSK, Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic;
Tertiary Hospital Kartal Kosuyolu Training and Research Hospital.
Membership in professional communities:
Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery;
National Association for Vascular Surgery;
Association of Phlebologists.
29+years of experience
Cardiac surgery · valve surgery
Mustafa Bilge Erdogan
Cardiac surgeon
Professor and cardiac surgeon with over 29 years of experience. Performs heart valve correction, including minimally invasive valve surgery, and lectures at the Faculty of Medicine of Istinye University.
Experience and achievements+
Dr. Mustafa Bilge Erdogan specializes in the treatment of a variety of cardiovascular diseases and performs operations such as coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve correction, aortic and carotid surgery, peripheral vascular interventions, and surgical treatment of varicose veins.
Specialization:
coronary bypass surgery;
cardiac ischemia;
minimally invasive heart surgery;
heart valve diseases;
peripheral arterial disease;
vein diseases;
endovascular interventions on the aorta;
minimally invasive valve surgery;
aortic surgery.
Education:
1994 – Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University;
2003 – specialization at the Faculty of Medicine, Cardiovascular Surgery, Gazi University.
Actively engaged in scientific work, Mustafa Bilge Erdogan received the title of professor in 2021 and lectures for students at the Faculty of Medicine of Istinye University. He is also the author of numerous scientific articles published in prestigious medical journals.
20+years of experience
Cardiac surgery · minimally invasive heart surgery
Ahmet Yavuz Balci
Cardiac surgeon, Vascular surgeon
Cardiac surgeon specializing in minimally invasive heart surgery. His areas of work include mitral valve replacement and aortic surgery, and he trained at the Henri Mondor University Hospital in Paris.
Experience and achievements+
Specialization:
minimally invasive heart surgery (closed heart surgery);
coronary bypass surgery;
aortic surgery;
mitral valve replacement;
peripheral arterial disease;
venous diseases.
Education:
1993 – Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University;
1996-2002 – Ataturk University Medical School, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery.
Professional activity:
2002-2003 – Adana Seyhan Private Hospital;
2003-2019 – Hospital for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery named after. Dr. Siyami Ersek;
2007 – internship (2 months) in the department of vascular surgery at the Henri Mondor University Hospital in Paris;
2008-2011 – participation in the creation and activation of surgical centers for cardiac surgery in Turkey and abroad within the framework of a project of the Ministry of Health.
25+years of experience
Cardiac surgery · valve surgery
M. Guclu Elevli
Cardiac surgeon
Cardiac surgeon specializing in valve surgery and aortic surgery. Worked as an associate professor at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Kocaeli.
Experience and achievements+
Specialization:
aortic surgery;
coronary artery surgery;
valve surgery.
Education:
1991-1997 – Faculty of Medicine, Thrace University;
1998-2004 – Specialization at Koşuyolu Heart Training and Research Hospital.
Experience:
Edirne Central Health Center No. 6 (general practitioner; November 1997 – December 1998).
Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic of Koşuyolu Heart Training and Research Hospital (specialization training; December 1998 – September 2004).
Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic of the Diyarbakir Military Hospital (military service; October 2004 – September 2005).
Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic of Kocaeli State Hospital (specialist physician; October 2005 – April 2006).
Faculty of Medicine, University of Kocaeli, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (associate professor; April 2006 – May 2008).
Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic of Konak Hospital Izmit Private Hospital (specialist doctor; May 2008 – March 2011).
Izmit Konak Private Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic (head of the clinic; March 2011 – June 2013).
Clinic of Cardiovascular Surgery of Tekden Kayseri Private Hospital (specialist physician; July 2013 – December 2014).
Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic, Istanbul Yedikule Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Organ Transplantation Clinic (specialist physician; January 2015 – August 2015).
Istanbul Teaching and Research Hospital Haseki 29 Mayıs Additional Service Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic (specialist doctor, May 2015 – August 2015).
Adatyp Private Hospital (since 2015).
VM Medical Park Kocaeli Hospital (since 2015).
Membership in professional organizations:
Turkish Medical Association;
Turkish Association of Cardiovascular Surgery.
Heart Valve Replacement in Turkey: we will prepare your records for doctors abroad
We translate your medical documents free of charge and prepare a medical file so that specialists abroad can assess your situation and suggest a treatment plan.
A doctor-coordinator reviews your situation
They will review your medical records, clarify your preferences and help you choose the right specialist.
The doctor you choose reviews your case
The coordinator arranges for your records to be reviewed by a specialist experienced in treating heart valve disease.
You receive a plan and cost
Before you travel, you can review the clinic's offer, the services included and the planned length of stay.
The doctor-coordinator will tell you where to start and which documents are needed in your case.
Since 2016 we have helped more than 12,000 patientsget quality treatment
The doctor-coordinator reviews your medical records and clarifies your preferences, budget and travel dates.
02We select a doctor and clinic
We recommend a specialist experienced in similar cases, taking into account the clinic's capabilities and our experience supporting patients there.
03We agree on the plan and cost
We arrange for a specialist doctor to review your case and help you understand the proposed plan, the services included and the cost.
04We organize your trip
We agree on appointment dates and help with tickets, visa, transfers and accommodation.
05We support you during treatment
Your doctor-coordinator stays in touch and helps with practical matters and communication with the clinic.
06We stay with you after you return
We help you get the necessary documents, arrange follow-up consultations and stay in touch with your doctor.
Additional services
Free
Visa assistance
Airport transfers
Personal doctor-coordinator
Accommodation and flight booking
Interpreter
Accommodation for a companion
Private room
How we help after you return home
We help you get the discharge summary and the clinic’s recommendations for further treatment and monitoring.
If needed, we help arrange translation of your medical records.
We arrange follow-up consultations with the clinic’s doctors, including online. We confirm the format and cost of the consultation in advance.
We help you get answers from your doctor to questions about the recommendations you received.
Reviews of heart valve replacement
Kirill Kozakov
17/02/2018 Diagnosis: valve replacement
★★★★★5/5
I just returned from Turkey, where I had an operation to replace the aortic valve with a mechanical one and correct the mitral valve with a ring.
The whole trip took 3 weeks. During this time, I was fully examined, consulted by doctors of several specialties, prepared for the operation, operated on, put on my feet and sent home. How many years of my life I would have to spend to do…
N
Nurcan Er
Diagnosis: aortic valve replacement
★★★★★5/5
Eight years ago, my wife in Siyami Hersek Hospital underwent heart valve surgery.
Ahmet Yavuz Balci performed a very successful operation. We never had any problems. God bless him, we are forever grateful.
Göktuğ Hamutcu
Diagnosis: aortic valve replacement
★★★★★5/5
He performed heart surgery on my father in 2018.
He is both intellectual and a true expert in his field. You can easily stay in his safe hands, if any of you are reading this comment I wish you a speedy recovery.
M
Mustafa Taylan
Diagnosis: aortic valve replacement
★★★★★5/5
In 2018, my father was successfully operated on the aortic vessels and valve at Siyami Ersek Hospital.
Once again, thank you and thanks to Dr. Ahmet Yavuz Balci.
P
Panagiotis Fotakidis
Diagnosis: aortic valve replacement
★★★★★5/5
Experts Medical specialists are understanding and very patient and will help with any questions.
Very positive experience.
Paul
Diagnosis: valve replacement
★★★★★5/5
The clinic itself is a heaped-up building that looks more like our business centers.
Landscaped green area on all sides. Masters of their craft work here. The operation was done well. Several days in intensive care flew by almost unnoticed. For some time I was under the supervision of the attending physician before I was…
Reviews describe personal experiences and do not guarantee the same treatment results.
Tests before heart valve replacement
Before drawing up a treatment plan, doctors review the tests you have already had and decide whether additional ones are needed. Some records can be assessed before you travel.
01
When to ask for an assessment
Good reasons to send your documents to a cardiac surgeon are valve stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage) on an echocardiogram, a cardiologist’s recommendation for surgery, or breathlessness and weakness that are getting worse with your usual activity. An assessment is also useful if a previously implanted biological valve has worn out, or if open surgery is considered too risky and you want to know whether TAVI is possible.
The key test is an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound): it shows which valve is affected and how badly. You will also need an ECG and blood tests, and if indicated, coronary angiography or a cardiac CT to assess the heart vessels and the aorta.
Any missing tests can be done at the hospital: a cardiac check-up in Turkey takes 1 day.
03
What can be decided before the trip
Based on the cardiologist’s report and the echocardiogram, a cardiac surgeon can give a preliminary opinion on the suitable method and the type of valve to consider. Besides the hospitals on this page, the coordinator can request a program from the Memorial hospital network.
The final plan is confirmed after the examination at the hospital.
We will help you choose a clinic for your caseOur doctor-coordinator will review your medical records, explain the differences between clinics and help you choose the right specialist.
TREATMENT IN DETAIL
Heart valve replacement surgery in Turkey
When is heart valve replacement necessary?
Heart valve replacement is a major cardiac surgical procedure that is performed for strict medical reasons. The aim is to replace a damaged or non-functioning valve in the heart with an implant. This surgery may be necessary if there is a history of the following conditions:
Congenital or acquired valve defects. These cause stenosis (narrowing) of the aorta and impaired blood flow.
Infections, endocarditis, and other inflammatory processes that damage the heart valve, causing dysfunction.
Aging of the valves can trigger their deformities and deterioration of the heart.
Some conditions, such as cardiomyopathies, can be accompanied by valve damage.
When the heart valves do not perform their function properly, it provokes the development of heart failure. Heart valve replacement can restore normal blood flow, prevent cardiac abnormalities, and improve the patient’s quality of life. The decision regarding the surgery is made based on the clinical picture, symptoms, and diagnostic results.
In Turkish clinics, it is possible to undergo an accurate cardiac check-up, which will reveal all abnormalities in the heart in 1 day.
What types of heart valves are used in Turkey?
Modern types of heart valves provide patients with different options depending on their needs and medical features. Turkish clinics widely use 2 types of implants:
Mechanical valves. These are made of durable materials such as titanium or carbon fiber. They provide long life, reliability, and resistance to tear. The disadvantages of a mechanical heart valve include the need to constantly anticoagulant intake to prevent blood clots.
Biological valves. They are made from natural tissues of human or animal origin. The main advantages are no need for constant anticoagulants and more natural characteristics. The disadvantage of biological heart valves is a limited service life (about 7 years) due to material degradation.
What method is used for heart valve replacement in Turkey?
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a modern surgery that does not require any incisions in the chest area. Doctors place the heart valve without open surgery – through catheterization. Such a procedure is ideal for the repeated replacement of a biological heart valve. This is why cardiac surgery departments in Turkish hospitals use TAVI whenever possible.
This is a gentle, minimally invasive method that significantly reduces the rehabilitation period. However, TAVI is not always suitable for correcting heart valve defects. The choice of surgical technique depends on medical indications, the patient’s age, and general health state. Consultation with a Turkish cardiac surgeon will help to determine the best option for each specific case.
How is a standard heart valve replacement surgery performed?
Heart valve replacement surgery through open access follows the following scheme:
Preparation. The patient is put into a state of general anesthesia. At the same time, doctors use intubation to maintain breathing during the operation.
Access to the heart. The surgeon makes an incision on the chest. Different access methods can be used for further manipulations – through a vertical or horizontal incision.
Opening the heart. The doctor performs cardiac arrest; the patient is connected to artificial blood circulation (cardiopulmonary bypass). The surgeon opens the heart to access the valve to be replaced.
Removal of the damaged valve is performed surgically.
Installation of new valve. The heart implant is fixed with special valve rings.
Functionality check. After installing a new valve, the doctor checks its work.
Completion of the operation. The heart begins to beat again, and artificial circulation is gradually turned off. The patient is transferred to resuscitation.
The duration of the operation can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the chosen method of valve replacement. It usually lasts about 3 hours.
How to go for heart valve replacement in Turkey?
In order to plan a trip to Turkey for heart valve replacement surgery, it is necessary to choose a clinic and a cardiac surgeon. The most popular among foreign patients are the following medical centers: Acibadem, Liv and Hisar in Istanbul, Memorial Clinic network in Antalya and other cities of Turkey.
Leave a request on this page to receive full support at all stages – from planning your trip to your arrival home after a successful surgery.
At your free consultation, an Experts Medical coordinating physician will provide you with information on the cost of heart valve replacement in Turkey and fully organize your treatment at the clinic.
Which method or combination of methods is right for you is decided by a medical board after reviewing your records.
Heart valve surgery in Turkey: get a personal plan and price after a cardiac surgeon's review
Questions about heart valve surgery in Turkey
About choosing a doctor, costs and preparing for treatment.
Can I get a plan and price before I travel?
Yes. A coordinating doctor will review your test results and send them to cardiac surgeons at several hospitals. You will receive programs with the treatment stages and cost, so you can plan your heart valve surgery in Turkey in advance.
The final plan is confirmed after the examination at the hospital.
Can a valve be replaced without opening the chest?
For the aortic valve, transcatheter implantation (TAVI) is possible in some cases: the valve is inserted through a blood vessel. This method is not suitable for everyone, and the decision is made by the cardiac surgeon after examination.
Mechanical or biological heart valve: which is better?
A mechanical heart valve lasts longer but requires lifelong anticoagulants. A biological valve usually does not, but it wears out over time. The choice depends on your age, health and lifestyle and is discussed with the cardiac surgeon.
How is a heart valve replaced?
Most often the valve is replaced through open access. Open heart surgery in Turkey is done under general anesthesia: the surgeon opens the chest, connects a heart-lung machine, removes the damaged valve and secures the implant. The operation usually takes about 3 hours, after which the patient is moved to intensive care.
With TAVI, the valve is placed through a blood vessel using a catheter.
How many days will I need to spend in Turkey?
Under the hospital program, the hospital stay is about 7 days, including the first days in intensive care, and the trip is planned for about 10 days. The total time depends on the hospital and the surgical method, and the coordinator will confirm it before you buy tickets.
Which is more complex: bypass surgery or valve replacement?
These are different operations: bypass surgery creates a new route for blood to reach the heart muscle, while valve replacement corrects a valve defect. The extent of surgery depends on the diagnosis, so it is hard to compare them in general terms. A cardiac surgeon can assess the risks in your case after reviewing your tests.
What does surgery achieve and what is recovery like?
The new valve lets blood flow in the right direction again and reduces the strain on the heart, and after recovery many patients cope better with everyday activity. The result depends on the type of valve damage, the condition of the heart muscle, age and other conditions.
After discharge you will need cardiology follow-up, the prescribed medication and a gradual increase in activity. Detailed recommendations are given at the hospital.
Which documents are needed and do they need translating?
Prepare a cardiologist’s report, an echocardiogram with a description of the valves, an ECG, coronary angiography or cardiac CT if done, and a list of the medications you take. Before ordering a translation, ask the coordinating doctor which format the chosen hospital needs: they will help arrange a translation if required.
Can someone come with me?
Yes. Let the coordinating doctor know that you plan to travel with a family member or friend. They will help check the conditions for your companion and accommodation options near the hospital.
More about valve disease and heart surgery
More about diagnoses, treatment methods and clinics abroad
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The information on the epxerts-medical.com website is provided for informational purposes only, is not a guide to action and should not be construed as a medical consultation or recommendations for treatment from the experts-medical.com site. All decisions on the choice of treatment methods and medical care should be made only by a specialised doctor after examining the patient’s medical situation.
