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Heart Valve Replacement in Turkey

We help you choose a clinic and a cardiac surgeon for heart valve replacement through open surgery or minimally invasive TAVI. First the doctor reviews your test results, then you compare programs from clinics in Turkey.

  • 12,000+ patients since 2016
  • No mark-up: you pay the clinic directly
  • Coordinating doctor 7 days a week

The essentials

Heart valves let blood flow in one direction. If a valve is narrowed (stenosis) or does not close completely (regurgitation), the heart has to work harder. Shortness of breath, weakness and chest pain appear, and over time heart failure may develop. Causes include congenital defects, age-related changes, previous endocarditis and other conditions.

Heart valve replacement in Turkey is performed through open surgery or via a catheter (TAVI) - the method is chosen based on the condition of the valve, age and general health. The valve can be mechanical or biological, and each has its own features. We help you get the opinion of a Turkish cardiac surgeon before you travel, compare programs and arrange the surgery.

How treatment can help

  • Restore valve functionThe new valve lets blood flow in the right direction again and reduces the strain on the heart.
  • Reduce breathlessness and weaknessAfter surgery and recovery, many patients cope better with everyday physical activity.
  • Lower the risk of complicationsTimely replacement helps prevent heart failure from progressing.

The result depends on the type of valve damage, the condition of the heart muscle, age and other conditions. The surgical method and the type of valve are chosen by the cardiac surgeon after examination.

When to ask for a review

  • Valve stenosis or regurgitation foundon an echocardiogram or other tests
  • A cardiologist recommends surgeryand you want to compare clinic options
  • Breathlessness and weakness have increasedeven with your usual activity
  • The valve needs to be replaced againa previous biological valve has worn out
  • Open surgery carries a high riskyou want to know if TAVI is possible
  • You need a second opinionon indications, method and type of valve

Not sure which method and type of valve are right for you? Send us your test results - a cardiac surgeon from a Turkish clinic will review them before your trip.

Recommended cardiac surgeons for heart valve replacement in Turkey
1 / 4
Ahmet Yavuz Balci
Cardiac surgeon, Vascular surgeon
Experience: over 20 years
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.
Write to the doctor
Ali Fedakar
Cardiovascular surgeon
Experience: over 25 years
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.
Write to the doctor
Mustafa Bilge Erdogan
cardiac surgeon
Experience: over 29 years
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.

Write to the doctor
M. Guclu Elevli
cardiac surgeon
Experience: over 25 years
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.
Write to the doctor
More than 12000 patients we have helped

Heart Valve Replacement Program in Turkey

Hospitalization
7 days
Duration of trip to Turkey
10 days
Valve material
Biological
  1. Day 1Transfer from the airport, Hospitalization, diagnostics.
  2. Day 2Surgery, hospitalization in the intensive care unit
  3. Day 5Hospitalization in the ward
  4. Day 14Discharge from the hospital, transfer to the airport
What we arrange during your trip
Transfer from / to the airportVisa assistancePersonal assistantWi-Fi InternetReservation of accommodation and airline ticketsTranslatorAccommodation for accompanying personSingle room
Leading cardiac surgery clinics in Turkey
1 / 4
Hisar Intercontinental Hospital
Istanbul , Turkey
4.6 (11 reviews)
Clinic is certified
АККРЕДИТАЦИЯ JCI
АККРЕДИТАЦИЯ JCI
Hisar Intercontinental Hospital in Istanbul is a modern multidisciplinary medical center operating in accordance with international quality standards. The facility is JCI-accredited and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for accurate diagnosis and treatment. It employs experienced doctors of various specializations, many of whom have undergone training abroad. For foreign patients, the clinic offers a full range of services: transportation, interpreters, and comfortable accommodation.
Clinic's services:
Transfer from / to the airport
Visa assistance
Personal assistant
Internet
Reservation of accommodation and airline tickets
Translator
Accommodation for accompanying person
Single room
Liv Hospital Ulus
Istanbul , Turkey
4.3 (42 reviews)
Clinic is certified
JCI American Medical Facility Accreditation
JCI American Medical Facility Accreditation
Liv Hospital Ulus is one of Turkey's leading medical centers specializing in robotic surgery and bariatric surgeries. It is the only hospital outside the United States successfully certified in general and abdominal robotic surgery. The hospital has more than 65 departments and demonstrates the best survival rates after complex surgeries. Liv Hospital Ulus actively implements innovative treatment methods, and the Liv TopKapi Research and Education Center is under construction.
Clinic's services:
Transfer from / to the airport
Visa assistance
Personal assistant
Internet
Reservation of accommodation and airline tickets
Translator
Accommodation for accompanying person
Single room
Acıbadem Healthcare Group
Istanbul , Turkey
4.5 (25 reviews)
Clinic is certified
ISO 27001 Information Security Management System
ISO 27001 Information Security Management System
Quality Management System Certification for compliance with ISO 9001 in the German accreditation system DAkkS
Quality Management System Certification for compliance with ISO 9001 in the German accreditation system DAkkS
Joint Commission International
Joint Commission International
ISO 15189
ISO 15189
The World's Best Hospitals 2019
The World's Best Hospitals 2019
Acibadem is the largest and one of the most renowned medical groups in Turkey, which annually receives more than 40 thousand patients from different countries, including the CIS. The network includes 22 university clinics in 5 countries and offers specialized centers in such areas as oncology, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, neurosurgery, organ transplantation, and robotic surgery. Acibadem clinics are known for the high quality of medical services thanks to innovative technologies and unique specialists using state-of-the-art equipment. The effectiveness of treatment is confirmed by standards and innovations, as well as by the large number of successful surgeries and procedures performed each year.
Clinic's services:
Transfer from / to the airport
Visa assistance
Personal assistant
Internet
Reservation of accommodation and airline tickets
Translator
Accommodation for accompanying person
Single room
Adatip Hospital
Sakarya , Turkey
4.3 (20 reviews)
Clinic is certified
ISO 10002
ISO 10002
ISO 9001
ISO 9001
Adatıp Hospital is a private multidisciplinary medical center in Turkey specializing in the treatment of cancer, cardiac, orthopedic and neurological diseases. Established in 1995, it is located in Sakarya, just 45 minutes from Istanbul. The clinic sees adults and children, offering a wide range of medical services in more than 40 areas. The hospital is certified according to the TUV NORD DIN EN ISO quality standard.
Clinic's services:
Transfer from / to the airport
Visa assistance
Personal assistant
Internet
Reservation of accommodation and airline tickets
Translator
Accommodation for accompanying person
Single room

What to send for a review

  • A cardiologist's report with the diagnosis
  • Echocardiogram with a description of the valves
  • ECG
  • Coronary angiography or cardiac CT, if done
  • A list of medications and information about other conditions

Missing some documents? That is fine: the coordinator will tell you which tests are needed.

Get a free doctor's review

We will contact you within 15 minutes

Treatment cost

The clinic gives the exact price after reviewing your test results. We send you programs from several clinics so you can compare prices and what is included. Experts Medical services are free for patients, and you pay the clinic directly.

What the price depends on
  • Surgical method: open surgery or transcatheter valve implantation (TAVI)
  • Type of valve: mechanical or biological
  • Clinic and city: the level of the cardiac surgery center and the surgeon's experience
  • Length of hospital stay: about 7 days under the program, including intensive care
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You don't pay for the services of Experts Medical

as we are representatives of more than 100 foreign clinics

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You get treatment without extra fees

You make all payments only at the clinic upon arrival

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:

  • heart valve replacement in TurkeyCongenital 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?

mechanical heart valveModern 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?

biological heart valveTranscatheter 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:

  1. heart valve replacement surgery in TurkeyPreparation. The patient is put into a state of general anesthesia. At the same time, doctors use intubation to maintain breathing during the operation.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Removal of the damaged valve is performed surgically.
  5. Installation of new valve. The heart implant is fixed with special valve rings.
  6. Functionality check. After installing a new valve, the doctor checks its work.
  7. 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.

Reviews from patients after heart valve replacement surgery
Send review
x
Kirill Kozakov
5/5
Rating:
Diagnosis: valve replacement

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 all this at home, one can only guess. And the results would still be unknown. I was prescribed medication to take for the rest of my life. I brought most of the drugs with me from abroad, so as not to experiment here with analogs, which can be very different in quality, regardless of price. Now I need to visit the doctor periodically. And it makes sense to turn to the same foreign specialist, as it turns out faster, easier and more reliable in terms of both examination and treatment.


17/02/2018
Nurcan Er
5/5
Rating:
Diagnosis: aortic valve replacement

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
5/5
Rating:
Diagnosis: aortic valve replacement

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.


Mustafa Taylan
5/5
Rating:
Diagnosis: aortic valve replacement

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.


Panagiotis Fotakidis
5/5
Rating:
Diagnosis: aortic valve replacement

Experts Medical specialists are understanding and very patient and will help with any questions. Very positive experience.


Paul
5/5
Rating:
Diagnosis: valve replacement

It is clear that valve replacement has not been considered a particularly difficult operation for many years. But when you have to do such an operation yourself, you still look for the best options and doctors for yourself so that everything goes without complications. There is a lot of information about foreign clinics now, so I had plenty to choose from. I stopped at the Yeditepe University Hospital. I was bribed by the fact that a lot of good things are written on the forums about cardiologists working in this hospital.

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 able to fly home. I liked everything. Everything is done and organized with soul and for people.


Frequently asked questions

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. The decision is made by the cardiac surgeon after examination.
Which valve is better - mechanical or biological?
A mechanical valve lasts longer but requires lifelong anticoagulants. A biological valve usually does not require lifelong anticoagulants, but it wears out over time. The choice depends on age, health and lifestyle.
How many days will I need to spend in Turkey?
Under our partner clinics' program, the hospital stay is about 7 days, including several days in intensive care. The total length of the trip depends on the clinic and the surgical method - the coordinator will confirm it before you buy tickets.
What is recovery like after surgery?
After discharge you will need cardiology follow-up, the prescribed medication and a gradual increase in activity. Detailed recommendations are given at the clinic before you return home.
How much does heart valve replacement in Turkey cost?
The price depends on the surgical method, the type of valve and the clinic. After reviewing your test results, we request programs from several clinics so you can compare prices. Experts Medical services are free for patients.

The information on this page is for reference only and is not medical advice. The treatment method is chosen by a specialist after reviewing the patient's medical situation.

Dr Nataliia
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