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Top 10 most expensive medical procedures
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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What are the most expensive medical procedures? Here are the top 10.
Coronary artery bypass grafting in zero gravity
In 2006, a team of French doctors successfully performed cardiac surgery on the coronary arteries of the heart in zero gravity. Such an operation under normal conditions costs $45,000, add to this the cost of the flight on an aircraft, the crew's salary, and the price will reach astronomical heights.
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Artificial heart
A mechanical heart for patients with severe heart disease costs $125,000 plus $18,000 annually to keep it functioning properly.
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Da Vinci (robot surgeon)
Robotic surgery has become a reality. The Da Vinci robot allows the surgeon to control the process while sitting at a special console. The area being operated is visible in 3D with multiple magnification, and the surgeon's hand movements are transferred to very precise movements of the surgical instruments. The cost of such a device is $1.5 million, and training surgeons in new methods of surgical intervention takes from 12 to 18 months. Therefore, on average, an operation using the Robot costs about $8,000.
Cryogenic freezing
Cryo-freezing is no longer a fantasy from the movies. The cost of freezing the whole body is $125,000, and one organ will cost $58,000.
Cardiac surgery
Deaths due to heart disease have been steadily declining in recent years, while the cost of heart surgery has only increased. Implanting a defibrillator or pacemaker can cost anywhere from $80,000 to $102,000.
Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment drugs became available in 1999, costing $500 at the time. Now, a patient must fork out at least $250,000 to receive effective treatment.
Diagnostic tests
Spiral CT is a very advanced form of tomographic examination, which is able to detect even the smallest cancerous tumor. The cost of the procedure is not small, but it should be taken into account that the patient can avoid many unnecessary biopsies. The price of spiral CT is $300 - $500.
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Bariatric surgery
People who are obese may benefit from beriatric surgery, a branch of medicine that studies the causes of obesity and treats them. Bariatric surgeries include gastric bypass, gastric balloon, and gastric banding. All of these procedures carry a certain amount of risk, so they are very expensive. The average cost of the surgery is $30,000.
Prosthetics
Artificial limbs cost about $2,000, but there are more expensive options that are lightweight, electric, and have sensors. However, not everyone can afford this - such a prosthesis will cost between $10,000 and $15,000.
Full body lift
This procedure is done to get rid of excess skin that has sagged after a person has lost a lot of weight. A full body lift costs between $11,000 and $50,000.