BestClinic.co.uk informs you about Pacemaker implantation in Turkey and helps you book an operation with expert surgeons. This content is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.
How much does it cost to have a pacemaker implanted in Turkey?
A pacemaker implant in Turkey costs between €5,000 and €10,000, depending on the type of pacemaker and the reputation of the clinic. A large number of international patients choose to have a pacemaker implanted in Turkey, partly because prices are much lower than in European countries.
| Pacemaker implantation | 5000 € |
You’re probably wondering why prices for pacemaker implants in Turkey are lower than in other countries There are several reasons for this price difference:
- The exchange rate is favourable for patients with euros, dollars or pounds sterling.
- The overall cost of living is lower.
- The Turkish government encourages medical clinics to work with an international clientele.
- Competition in the medical field is very strong in Turkey, which drives prices down.
All you need to know about implanting a pacemaker in Turkey
A pacemaker is implanted to regulate irregular heart rhythms or to treat heart damage caused by a heart attack, for example. This surgery was first performed in the 1950s.
Since then, the implantation procedure has evolved considerably, benefiting from advances in medical technology and surgical practices. As with a large number of medical operations, Turkey is highly advanced in this field and has specialised clinics.
What is a pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a medical device that generates electrical impulses to stimulate and support the heart. It replaces natural electrical signals and regulates the heart rate of patients whose heart rate is too low.
In practical terms, it is a small, very light metal device fitted with wires to connect to the heart. It is placed close to the heart, under the collarbone.
Several types of Pacemaker exist and are used depending on the patient’s needs:
- Single-chamber pacemakers: These pacemakers have an electric wire connected to one chamber of the heart, generally the right ventricle. They are used to treat cardiac conduction problems.
- Dual-chamber pacemakers: These pacemakers have two wires, one connected to the atrium and the other to the ventricle. They allow more precise synchronisation of the contraction of the heart chambers, which is beneficial for certain types of heart rhythm disorders.
- Biventricular: These pacemakers are used in patients with heart failure and dysfunctional contraction of the ventricles. They stimulate both ventricles simultaneously to improve the synchronisation and efficiency of cardiac contraction.
Read our dossier on heart valve replacement in Turkey.
Why choose Turkey?
Choosing Turkey for pacemaker implantation is a very good decision for several reasons:
- The expertise of Turkish surgeons: Turkey is one of the countries with the best surgeons in the world. They generally specialise in a single type of operation, as there are a huge number of surgeons in Turkey. This allows them to excel in their speciality.
- Turkish clinic technology : Turkish clinics and hospitals are equipped with cutting-edge technology. Unlike in France, where public hospitals keep their equipment for as long as possible to save money, in Turkey they are constantly renewed to keep up with technological advances.
- Cost: Thanks in part to the strong competition in the medical and aesthetic field in Turkey, the prices of operations are much lower than in France and our neighbouring countries.
- Medical travel: Choosing Turkey allows international patients to benefit from all-inclusive medical stays (operation, accommodation, transport, medication, follow-up). For those who choose a hospital in Istanbul, like the Memorial Atasehir Hospital for example, it’s an opportunity to visit this magnificent city.
Who is this operation designed for?
The implantation of a pacemaker in Turkey is recommended for people suffering from heart rhythm disorders that affect their quality of life and health. This operation is beneficial for
- People whose heart beats too fast, too slow or irregularly, which can cause fatigue, dizziness or even breathing problems.
- Individuals whose heart rhythm problems cannot be treated with medication.
- Patients whose cardiac arrhythmia affects the proper functioning of vital organs such as the brain or kidneys, or increases the risk of serious complications such as stroke or heart attack.
What is the procedure for implanting a pacemaker in Turkey?
We understand that heart surgery can be a source of concern for some people. Let us give you a practical explanation of how a pacemaker is implanted in Turkey. You’ll see that it’s actually a safe operation, and not very restrictive!
The first consultation
Before the pacemaker is fitted, patients meet a cardiologist to discuss the details of the surgery. The cardiologist will study the patient’s medical history and decide on the most appropriate type of pacemaker. You will be able to ask all the questions you want during this consultation to understand and reassure yourself about the procedure.
The day of the operation
On the day of the operation, patients are welcomed at the clinic or hospital where the procedure will take place. Under local anaesthetic, the surgeon makes an incision under the collarbone, close to the heart, to access a vein.
Through this incision, the wires are guided to the heart, where they are attached to the heart walls. A small pocket is created in the skin to insert the Pacemaker, and then the wires are connected. Once the implantation is complete, the incision is closed.
Implantation lasts between one and two hours maximum and is not painful, contrary to what you might think. What’s more, it leaves only a small scar of around 5 centimetres.
Post-operative care
After the operation, patients are closely monitored during the convalescence phase. The doctors check that the heart rhythm is correct and that the pacemaker is correctly programmed according to your heart’s needs. Finally, you will be given a few instructions to help you heal more quickly:
- Avoid intense sport and carrying heavy loads for one month.
- Avoid any sudden movements with your left arm, in particular not lifting your arm above your shoulder for a few weeks.
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Frequently asked questions about having a pacemaker fitted in Turkey
What is not allowed with a Pacemaker?
There are no real prohibitions when you have a pacemaker, just a few recommendations to follow to keep it in good condition. For example, limit activities that could damage the device, such as combat sports.
In which country is a Pacemaker implanted?
Many countries have clinics offering pacemaker implantation, but we recommend Turkey. Not least because the country offers high-quality medical services at competitive prices, its facilities are modern, and Turkish practitioners are highly qualified.
How does pacemaker implantation work in Turkey?
Pacemaker implantation in Turkey takes between one and two hours, during which a surgeon makes a small incision in the patient under the collarbone, close to the heart, to insert the pacemaker. The surgery is painless thanks to the local anaesthetic.
What are the disadvantages of having a pacemaker?
Having a pacemaker may present some minor inconveniences, but none of them have too great an impact on the patient’s daily life. For example, it will be necessary to change the pacemaker battery from time to time, and certain sports, such as combat sports, are not recommended.
What are the alternatives to pacemaker implantation for treating heart rhythm disorders?
Alternatives to implanting a pacemaker include treating heart rhythm disorders with medication. However, taking this type of medication over the long term can lead to serious side-effects.
What precautions should I take after a pacemaker insertion?
A few weeks after implantation, it is important to avoid sudden movements of the left arm and to avoid overly physical activities such as intense sport and carrying heavy loads. Following these recommendations will avoid slowing down the healing process.
