Patient Profile:
- Name: Bonnie
- From: United States
- Procedure: Open Heart Surgery
- Clinic: Centro Médico Teknon — Barcelona, Spain
- Doctor: Dr. Xavier Ruyra Baliarda, cardiothoracic surgeon
Open heart surgery is never an easy path. For many, it comes with fear, financial worries, and uncertainty about recovery. But hearing from others who’ve been through it—real open heart surgery survivor stories—can help make the road feel less lonely.
This is one of those real-life stories. A heart lipoma diagnosis, trust lost in the U.S. medical system, and a search for high-quality, affordable care abroad. Bonnie’s story is for anyone who’s looking for open heart surgery testimonials, wants to understand the recovery timeline, or simply needs hope.
Table of Contents:
How It Started: From Chest Pain to Diagnosis
Bonnie is a certified nurse aide from the United States. In 2022, she went to the ER with rib pain—nothing too serious, she thought. But a scan revealed a 3mm mass in her heart.
She was referred from one U.S. doctor to another, but no real plan followed. As months passed, her symptoms got worse. So did the mass. By 2024, it had doubled in size.
Doctors weren’t in a hurry. But Bonnie was. Her energy was fading, and she couldn’t keep doing the job she loved.
“I noticed a decline in my strength, which affected my ability to work.”
She was living with a tumor in her heart and no real timeline for treatment. Despite her medical background, Bonnie felt overlooked by the system meant to care for her. The costs were unclear. Appointments were slow.
Looking Abroad: Trust, Cost, and Courage
Bonnie found Bookimed, a platform that helps patients connect with trusted hospitals worldwide. Her coordinator listened carefully and collected her tests and reports.
One offer stood out: a clinic in Barcelona with a strong heart surgery team and affordable pricing.
She read other open heart surgery recovery stories. She wanted to hear how others had done, and see open heart surgery photos. She wasn’t alone.
Open Heart Surgery in Spain
In Spain, Bonnie had the tumor removed during an open heart surgery procedure. She was in expert hands, with careful pre-op tests and clear communication.
“The surgeon was extremely knowledgeable. I’m very pleased with the international service provided.”
The full program—consultations, surgery, ICU care, and recovery—cost less than many quotes she received in the U.S. or even Mexico.
Bonnie had her surgery at Centro Médico Teknon, a private hospital in Spain known for international patients and heart procedures. The clinic has over 30 years of experience, a multilingual staff, and internationally certified doctors. It’s been chosen by patients from around the world for complex surgeries like Bonnie’s.
Teknon Hospital is a private medical facility in Barcelona, Spain, recognized internationally for its advanced diagnostic and treatment services provided by renowned specialists.
The hospital specializes in epileptology, neurosurgery, oncology, cardiac surgery, and advanced stem cell therapy for trauma recovery. It holds multiple JCI accreditations and has received numerous awards for excellence in medical tourism, particularly in oncology, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, and epilepsy treatment.
Teknon Hospital is a preferred choice for high-profile individuals, including celebrities, athletes, and politicians. Its medical team has provided care for notable figures such as singer Shakira, footballer Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona), and Olympic champion Thomas Röhler. The hospital has also administered stem cell therapies to FC Barcelona players and serves as the Official Medical Service and reference hospital for the 37th America's Cup Louis Vuitton sailing regatta in 2024.
Teknon Hospital offers a comprehensive range of medical services for international patients, from online consultations to complex surgical procedures. A team of experienced specialists and medical coordinators ensures high-quality care and patient-centered treatment.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
The surgery was performed by Dr. Xavier Ruyra Baliarda, a cardiothoracic surgeon with over 35 years of experience. He is a recognized expert in open heart surgery, heart valve repair, and minimally invasive cardiac procedures.
Dr. Ruyra has developed several patented techniques for valve reconstruction and is a member of the Spanish Society of Cardiac Surgery and theEuropean Board of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.
Bonnie’s Recovery Process
Bonnie is still healing, but her strength is returning. Her open heart surgery experience was serious—but also hopeful.
“I’m still not 100%, but I just need some time. I’m very grateful.”
The open heart surgery recovery timeline included 1–2 days in the intensive care unit, followed by a 7–10 day hospital stay. Full recovery at home generally took 4 to 6 weeks.
Why Bonnie Chose Bookimed
Bonnie found support where she least expected it — online.
Bookimed connected her with doctors who listened, options she could afford, and most importantly, people who cared. From reading open heart surgery blogs to receiving personalized answers from clinics, she was never left alone.
Through Bookimed, Bonnie received:
✅ Free help comparing clinics.
✅ A personal coordinator who guided her step by step.
✅ Access to real patient stories and verified treatment options.
✅ A transparent, no-pressure approach.
Her journey is now part of a growing list of open heart surgery blogs and testimonials that show what's possible—with the right support.