


Atrial septal defect surgery in SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital
About the clinic
Atrial septal defect surgery at SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital in Barcelona, Spain, provides advanced care for children with congenital heart conditions. This facility ranks among the top three pediatric hospitals in Europe and serves as a major hub for complex cardiac procedures. The cardiology center performs 300+ heart surgeries every year, maintaining high success rates for young patients.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
Surgeons at the hospital prioritize methods that help children recover faster. They use thoracoscopy and robotic-assisted surgery to close heart defects whenever possible. These techniques involve smaller incisions compared to traditional open-heart surgery. This approach reduces pain, lowers the risk of complications, and shortens the hospital stay. Most children stay in the hospital for about 3 to 5 days after the procedure.
Specialized Medical Team
The Heart Area is led by Dr. José María Caffarena, a cardiovascular surgeon known for pioneering work in complex congenital heart disease. Dr. Joan Sánchez de Toledo heads the Pediatric Cardiology department, focusing on advanced imaging for early detection. The team also includes Dr. Josep Brugada, who discovered Brugada syndrome and is recognized as one of Spain’s top doctors. Dr. Georgia Sarquella specializes in interventional cardiology and was the first in Spain to implant a leadless pacemaker in a minor.
Advanced Surgical Planning
The hospital uses modern tools to prepare for each surgery. Doctors use 3D printing to create models of a child's heart before the operation. This helps the team plan the repair with high precision. For complex cases, the facility also uses intraoperative MRI during the procedure. Care is multidisciplinary, bringing together surgeons, anesthesiologists, and intensive care specialists to support the patient from infancy through age 18.
Accreditations and Recognition
SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital holds 60+ national and European accreditations, including recognition from the European Reference Networks (ERN). It is also certified as a CSUR center for complex pediatric care. The hospital integrates fetal and postnatal care, allowing families to receive a diagnosis and treatment within the same institution. You can request a consultation through Bookimed to learn more about the treatment options for your child.
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Treatments prices in the clinic
| diagnostics | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Brain SPECT | $1800 - $3000 |
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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.
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Niccolò Mosconi
ae ea
Ulday Turniyazova
Daniel Hires
Passeig de Sant Joan de Déu, 2, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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How it works:
- We find a medical coordinator familiar with the matter
- You get a personal offer with a step-by-step guide and the cost estimate
- We arrange your travel including appointment scheduling and flights booking
- You arrive at the hospital, we support you 24/7