


Atrial septal defect Treatment in SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital
About the clinic
Treatment for atrial septal defect (ASD) at SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital in Barcelona, Spain, involves specialized techniques for both newborns and unborn babies. This medical center is one of the few places in the world performing fetal cardiac surgery. The hospital holds accreditations from ERN and NACHRI, showing its expertise in treating rare congenital heart conditions.
The hospital operates a joint center for congenital heart disease with Hospital Clínic. This partnership provides multidisciplinary care for complex cases. Surgeons here perform 300+ pediatric cardiac operations every year. They maintain high success rates and low mortality for heart defect closures.
Fetal heart interventions
For the most severe cases, the hospital offers fetal atrioseptostomy. This procedure treats a restrictive foramen ovale while the baby is still in the womb. Doctors use ultrasound guidance to perform this intervention. This early treatment helps improve survival and quality of life after birth. The mother typically stays in the hospital for 1–2 days followed by outpatient check-ups.
Surgical closure methods
Once a child is born, the surgical team uses several methods to close an atrial septal defect. They select the approach based on the size of the hole and the child's overall health. The options include:
- Robotic-assisted surgery. Surgeons use the Da Vinci system to perform minimally invasive repairs. This method uses small incisions to help children recover faster.
- Open heart surgery. This traditional technique uses extracorporeal circulation to repair the defect safely. It remains highly effective for complex ASD cases.
- Fetal interventional procedure. This specialized echoguided technique treats restrictive defects before birth.
Hospitalization and recovery
The recovery process depends on the chosen surgical method. For standard congenital heart defect surgery, children typically stay in the hospital for 4–7 days. Minimally invasive robotic options often shorten this period. The medical team monitors the patient closely to ensure the heart is functioning correctly before discharge. Parents receive a detailed follow-up plan for care at home.
If your child needs heart surgery, you can request a consultation or a second opinion 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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