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Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan
Chairman - Cardiac Sciences | Director - Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & Mechanical Circulatory Support

Cardiothoracic Surgery , Chennai , India

Chennai , India
Works at MGM Healthcare, Chennai (Chennai)
40 Years Experience
16000Surgeries & Procedures

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More About Doctor
  • Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan is a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon with over 40 years of experience in cardiac care.
  • He has been instrumental in pioneering heart and lung transplant surgeries in India, leading one of the country's most successful transplant programs.
  • His expertise encompasses end-stage heart failure management, pediatric cardiac surgery, and mechanical circulatory support.
  • Dr. Balakrishnan's commitment to patient care and surgical excellence has earned him a distinguished reputation in the medical community.
Special Interest
  • End-stage heart failure management
  • Pediatric cardiac surgery
  • Lung transplantation
  • Mechanical circulatory support
Hospitals
Works at MGM Healthcare, Chennai, Chennai

Work Experience

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Frequently Asked Questions For Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan

Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan specializes in cardiothoracic surgery, focusing on heart and lung transplants, pediatric cardiac surgery, and mechanical circulatory support.

Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan has over 40 years of experience in cardiothoracic surgery.

Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan practices at MGM Healthcare in Chennai, India.

Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan is available for consultations from Monday to Saturday between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

The consultation fee for Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan is ₹2,000.

To book an appointment with Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan, VivaVel Health Tourism provides seamless assistance. Our team will coordinate directly with MGM Healthcare or through their official website to ensure a hassle-free booking process. Trust VivaVel to handle all your medical travel needs with care and efficiency.

Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan specializes in heart and lung transplants, pediatric cardiac surgeries, and mechanical circulatory support procedures.

Yes, Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan has received several awards, including a distinction in MCh from Bombay University and the Hiralal Gold Medal in Surgery from AIIMS, New Delhi.

Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan completed his MBBS from JIPMER, MS in General Surgery from AIIMS, and MCh in Cardiothoracic Surgery from King Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Bombay.

Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan specializes in end-stage heart failure management, pediatric cardiac surgery, lung transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support.

Health Articles & Blogs

Celebrate Independence Day with VivaVel: Freedom to Choose Health

Independence Day is a time to reflect on freedom, unity, and the opportunities of living in a world where choice and access define our lives. At VivaVel, we believe in empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being, embracing the true essence of freedom – the freedom to live vibrantly.

Health Tourism: Your Path to Wellness

Health tourism has redefined the way people think about healthcare. It combines the benefits of world-class medical treatments with the rejuvenation of travel. VivaVel connects individuals with top-tier medical professionals and facilities in globally renowned destinations. Whether you’re seeking advanced medical procedures, holistic therapies, or wellness retreats, we ensure your journey is seamless, safe, and enriching.

Independence Through Better Health

This Independence Day, let’s celebrate the freedom to prioritize our health. Imagine the liberty that comes with:

  • Access to World-Class Treatments: From state-of-the-art surgeries to cutting-edge diagnostic tools, gain access to healthcare options that might not be readily available at home.

  • Affordable Healthcare Solutions: Financial independence is crucial, and health tourism often provides cost-effective treatments without compromising quality.

  • Personalized Care: Enjoy the freedom of customized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and goals.

  • Holistic Wellness: Combine medical care with wellness activities like yoga, meditation, and spa treatments to rejuvenate the mind and body.

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At VivaVel, we understand that health is the cornerstone of independence. Our mission is to make healthcare accessible, affordable, and stress-free for people worldwide. With our extensive network of accredited hospitals and wellness centers, you can:

  • Rest assured, with transparent pricing and no hidden costs.

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  • Explore stunning destinations while prioritizing your health.

Celebrate Freedom with a Wellness Retreat

This Independence Day, why not gift yourself or a loved one the freedom of health? VivaVel offers tailored wellness packages in serene destinations that promise relaxation and rejuvenation. Picture yourself recovering amidst tranquil beaches, lush mountains, or culturally prosperous cities, knowing your health is in expert hands.

A Healthier Tomorrow Starts Today

Independence is not just about the freedom we celebrate as a nation but also the autonomy to make choices that enhance our lives. This Independence Day, take a step towards a healthier, more vibrant you with VivaVel. Let us guide you on a journey where freedom meets wellness; every step is a move toward vitality.

Visit www.VivaVel.com to learn more about our offerings and how we can help you achieve your health and wellness goals.

Celebrate freedom. Celebrate health. Celebrate life with VivaVel.

The Cost of Bone Marrow Transplant in Children: A Comprehensive Guide

Bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a life-saving procedure for children suffering from severe blood disorders, immune deficiencies, and certain types of cancers. While the procedure offers a chance for a new lease on life, it comes with significant financial implications. This blog delves into the cost of bone marrow transplants for children, exploring global cost comparisons, success rates, and factors influencing pricing.

What is a Bone Marrow Transplant?

A bone marrow transplant is a medical procedure that replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy marrow stem cells. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as:

Leukemia

Lymphoma

Thalassemia

Sickle cell anemia

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)

There are two primary types of BMT:

Autologous Transplant: The patient’s stem cells are used.

Allogeneic Transplant: Stem cells are sourced from a donor, a sibling, a parent, or an unrelated donor.

Cost of Bone Marrow Transplant in Different Countries

The cost of a bone marrow transplant varies significantly worldwide, influenced by factors such as medical infrastructure, the complexity of the procedure, the type of transplant, and post-operative care.

Cost Comparison Bar Graph

A visual representation can provide a clearer picture of the cost differences across these countries. Below is a bar graph illustrating the average costs:

 

Factors Influencing the Cost of Bone Marrow Transplant

Type of Transplant: Allogeneic transplants are generally more expensive than autologous transplants due to the need for donor matching and additional procedures.

Hospital and Infrastructure: Facilities with advanced medical technologies and highly skilled professionals may charge a premium.

Pre- and Post-Transplant Care: Diagnostics, chemotherapy, and long-term follow-up care costs can significantly increase the overall expense.

Donor Matching: Finding a suitable donor involves additional costs, especially in unrelated donor scenarios.

Geographical Location: The cost of living and healthcare standards in the country of treatment play a crucial role.

Success Rate of Bone Marrow Transplant in Children

The success of a bone marrow transplant largely depends on:

The underlying condition being treated

Patient’s health

Donor compatibility

Post-operative care

Success Rates by Condition

Leukemia: 60% - 90% depending on the stage

Thalassemia: Over 90% of well-matched donor cases

Sickle Cell Anemia: Around 85%

SCID: 90% and above with early diagnosis

Success Rate Bar Graph

The following bar graph compares success rates across various conditions:

![Bar Graph: Success Rates of BMT by Condition](Insert Graph Here)

Why Consider Medical Tourism for Bone Marrow Transplants?

Medical tourism is becoming popular for families seeking cost-effective and high-quality BMT procedures. Countries like India, Turkey, and Thailand are emerging as leading destinations, offering:

Affordable Costs: Significant savings compared to Western countries.

World-Class Facilities: Accredited hospitals with advanced technologies.

Expert Medical Teams: Highly qualified specialists in hematology and oncology.

Comprehensive Care: Support for international patients, including visa assistance, accommodation, and translation services.

India as a Preferred Destination

India stands out due to its affordable costs and excellent medical services. Key highlights include:

Accredited hospitals like Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, and Medanta.

A vast pool of experienced hematologists and oncologists.

Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic facilities.

How VivaVel Health Tourism Can Help

At VivaVel Health Tourism, we understand that a bone marrow transplant is a significant decision for any family. Our team is dedicated to providing:

Customized Treatment Plans: Tailored to your child’s medical needs and budget.

Hospital Selection: Partnerships with leading hospitals worldwide.

Complete Support: Assistance with travel, accommodation, and post-treatment care.

Transparent Pricing: Clear and detailed cost breakdowns.

Conclusion

A bone marrow transplant is a critical procedure that offers hope and a new beginning for children battling severe medical conditions. While the costs can be daunting, understanding the pricing structure and exploring options like medical tourism can make the treatment more accessible. With proper planning and support from organizations like VivaVel Health Tourism, families can ensure the best care for their children without compromising quality.

If you’re considering a bone marrow transplant for your child, reach out to VivaVel Health Tourism for expert guidance and support.

Bone Marrow Transplant in Children: A Comprehensive Guide

Bone Marrow Transplant in Children: A Comprehensive Guide

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a life-saving medical procedure that has revolutionized the treatment of serious illnesses in children. By replacing damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells, BMT offers a new lease on life for children facing cancers, genetic disorders, and immune deficiencies. Understanding this procedure is crucial for families exploring advanced medical care.

What is Bone Marrow, and Why is it Important?

Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue inside our bones that produces essential blood components: red blood cells (for oxygen delivery), white blood cells (for immune defense), and platelets (for blood clotting). When bone marrow fails, these critical functions are disrupted, leading to severe health problems.

What Happens in a Bone Marrow Transplant?

A BMT involves infusing healthy stem cells into a child's body to replace damaged bone marrow. The stem cells can come from the child's body (autologous transplant) or a donor (allogeneic transplant). Once transplanted, these cells settle in the bone marrow and produce healthy blood cells.

When is a Bone Marrow Transplant Needed?

Doctors may recommend a transplant for children with conditions such as:

Blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.

Blood disorders like aplastic anemia, thalassemia, and sickle cell disease.

Immune deficiencies such as Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID).

Genetic or metabolic disorders like Hurler syndrome and adrenoleukodystrophy.

Types of Bone Marrow Transplants

Autologous Transplant: The child's stem cells are collected and preserved before receiving intensive treatments like chemotherapy. These cells are then reintroduced to regenerate healthy bone marrow.

Allogeneic Transplant: Stem cells are obtained from a donor, a sibling, an unrelated volunteer, or a parent. This type is often used for genetic disorders or cancers requiring complete marrow replacement.

Umbilical Cord Blood Transplant: This procedure uses stem cells collected from a newborn's umbilical cord. It is a great option when a closely matched donor isn't available.

The Bone Marrow Transplant Journey

The process involves several stages:

Preparation (Conditioning):
High-dose chemotherapy or radiation eliminates diseased bone marrow and suppresses the immune system to reduce rejection risks.

Stem Cell Infusion:
The healthy stem cells are infused through a central venous catheter, similar to a blood transfusion.

Engraftment:
Over 2-4 weeks, the transplanted stem cells settle in the bone marrow and begin producing new blood cells.

Recovery:
Close monitoring is essential to detect complications like infections, organ dysfunction, or graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Recovery can take months to a year.

Challenges and Risks

Although BMT offers hope, it comes with risks:

Infections: With weakened immunity, children are more vulnerable.

GVHD: In allogeneic transplants, donor cells may attack the child's tissues, causing complications.

Organ Damage: Chemotherapy or radiation can affect organs like the liver or heart.

Delayed Recovery: Some children may take longer to recover or face engraftment failure.

Post-Transplant Care

Healing doesn't end with the procedure. Post-transplant care is critical:

Preventing infections: Strict hygiene and prophylactic medications help protect against infections.

Regular check-ups: Frequent blood tests and follow-ups ensure the transplant works and complications are addressed early.

Nutrition and diet: A balanced diet supports recovery while avoiding raw or undercooked food minimizes infection risks.

Emotional support: Counseling helps children and families cope with recovery's physical and emotional demands.

Why Consider Health Tourism for BMT?

Health tourism opens doors to world-class medical care at more affordable costs. Countries like India have become hubs for advanced treatments, offering top-tier hospitals, skilled specialists, and personalized care. VivaVel Health Tourism ensures families receive seamless support, from hospital selection to travel arrangements.

The Impact of Bone Marrow Transplants

A successful bone marrow transplant can be transformative. It can cure previously untreatable conditions, improve quality of life, and allow children to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Advances in medical technology, such as reduced-intensity conditioning and gene therapy, continue to improve outcomes and make the procedure safer.

Conclusion

Bone marrow transplantation in children represents a beacon of hope for families grappling with life-threatening illnesses. While the journey is challenging, the outcomes can be profoundly rewarding. VivaVel Health Tourism is dedicated to guiding families through this transformative process, ensuring access to the best care and resources. With advancements in medical science and global healthcare collaboration, every child's dream of a healthy future is within reach.

Your child's healing journey begins here—partner with VivaVel Health Tourism for world-class care and compassionate support.

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