


Atelocardia Treatment in SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital
About the clinic
SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital in Barcelona, Spain, provides specialized care for atelocardia and other complex congenital heart conditions. The hospital holds JCI and ESMO accreditations and is one of the few centers globally performing fetal cardiac surgery. The pediatric cardiology department is led by Dr. Joan Sánchez de Toledo, who manages a team performing 250+ surgeries every year.
Advanced diagnostics for heart defects
The diagnostic process starts before birth to identify structural heart issues as early as possible. Specialists use high-resolution tools to plan for immediate care after delivery. The clinic provides 3D-printed heart models based on patient scans to help surgeons prepare for complex operations.
- Prenatal echocardiography. This ultrasound evaluates the fetal heart structure and function.
- Fetal MRI. This scan provides detailed images of the developing organs.
- Genetic testing. Amniocentesis helps identify chromosomal causes of heart defects.
- Postnatal echocardiography. Doctors perform this ultrasound after birth to confirm the diagnosis.
Specialized cardiac treatments
Treatment options range from interventions inside the womb to advanced surgery for newborns and children. Dr. Joan Sánchez de Toledo leads the research into congenital heart disease outcomes to improve long-term recovery for patients. The facility features HEPA-filtered rooms to maintain a sterile environment for recovery.
- Fetal cardiac intervention. This prenatal surgery uses ultrasound-guided techniques like valvuloplasty. It helps improve heart chamber growth before birth. The mother typically stays in the hospital for 1-2 days.
- Pediatric cardiac surgery. The team performs open-heart, minimally invasive, and robotic-assisted procedures. These surgeries aim to repair structural defects with high success rates. Hospitalization usually lasts 1-2 weeks depending on complexity.
- Cardiac catheterization. This interventional method repairs certain defects using thin tubes called catheters. It is less invasive than open surgery and requires a stay of only 1-3 days.
Patient support and safety
As a member of the Children’s Hospital Association (NACHRI) and affiliated with Johns Hopkins, the hospital follows strict international safety standards. International families receive help through interpreter services to aid communication with the medical team. The clinic also provides free airport transfers to simplify the arrival for parents and children. You can request a consultation for a personalized treatment plan through Bookimed.
Highlights
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Treatments prices in the clinic
| treatment | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Atrial septal defect surgery | Price on request | |
| Interventricular septal defect surgery | Price on request | |
| Open heart surgery | Price on request |
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SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital: more details about the clinic
SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital (Spain) has been providing medical care since 1867. It is a leading Mother and Child Center, treating patients from infancy to 18 years old. The hospital is part of the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and is accredited by Spain’s National Board of Health.
Key Facts (2023):
- 16,000+ surgeries performed
- 3,000+ deliveries
- 322,000+ outpatient visits
- 334 inpatient beds
- 3,082 staff members
Specialized Medical Divisions
The hospital has two main units:
- Child’s Unit – Covers all pediatric specialties, including oncology and hematology.
- Women’s Unit – Focuses on maternity care, high-risk pregnancies, fetal medicine, and gynecology.
Innovations in Treatment
SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital develops advanced and safe treatment methods in its research laboratories. Specialists focus on:
- Genetic and molecular biology research
- Neurometabolic and hereditary disorders
- Fetal disease studies
- Cancer research
Ongoing projects include:
- Telemonitoring for pregnant patients
- Smart sensors for neonatal care
- Therapy through play for pediatric patients
SJD Pediatric Cancer Center
One of Europe's top pediatric oncology and hematology centers, the Cancer Center features:
- HEPA-filtered rooms for post-bone marrow transplant care
- Intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma, preserving the eye while targeting tumors
- Anti-GD2 immunotherapy for neuroblastoma, improving survival rates by 20%
- Nanofiber-based tissue for localized cancer treatment
- Ongoing vaccine development for brain and spinal cord tumors
Survival Rates:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia – 94%
- Bone marrow transplant:
- From a related donor – 90-100%
- From an unrelated donor – 70-80%
Cardiology Center
With over 300 surgeries annually, the hospital’s cardiology team treats congenital heart conditions and complex cardiovascular disorders. It has one of Europe's highest success rates and lowest mortality rates for pediatric cardiac surgery.
Surgery Department
Minimally invasive techniques reduce complications and recovery time. These include:
- Laparoscopy
- Thoracoscopy
- Tendoscopic surgery
- Robotic-assisted procedures
- Laser and ultrasonic surgical systems
Orthopedics and Traumatology
The orthopedic team treats scoliosis, pediatric arthrogryposis, hip joint disorders, tumors, bone inflammation, clubfoot, and congenital defects. Innovative techniques are used for posture correction and spinal alignment.
Neurology Department
Recognized by Spain’s Ministry of Health, the neurology unit specializes in treating:
- Refractory epilepsy
- Neurometabolic disorders
- Hereditary spastic paraplegia
- Ataxia
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
A multidisciplinary team develops personalized rehabilitation programs for conditions such as:
- Brain and spinal cord injuries
- Stroke
- Neurological and rheumatic diseases
- Amputations
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Bladder and bowel dysfunctions
Patient Services
The hospital offers single, double, and triple rooms. Staff assists with hotel bookings, visas, and documentation. Additional services, including transfers and interpreters, are available for an extra fee. English and Spanish are spoken.
For treatment costs, patients can submit a request through Bookimed.
Additional services
Requirements for admission
Patient reviews
View 44 reviewsДенис • Brain tumor Kazakhstan
All consultations were organised in a highly professional manner with the necessary preparation
Natalia Rayskiy • Liver cancer
Мы очень довольны клиникой Sant Joan de Deu, в которой наблюдается наш ребёнок
Usrat tayeba Tayeba Tori • Surgery for syringomyelia Canada
he was really good and informative
Любовь • Spina bifida (cleft spine) Ukraine
"You are best !!!"
Passeig de Sant Joan de Déu, 2, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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