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How Much Does Open heart surgery Cost in Spain?

Open heart surgery in Spain costs from $30,000 to $50,000 on average. Final pricing depends on the specific technique, clinic tier, and the complexity of the cardiac condition. In the US, similar procedures cost around $160,000 on average. Patients save around 75% compared to the US. These costs typically include the diagnostic workup, surgical fees, ICU monitoring, and hospital stays in major hubs like Barcelona and Madrid.

  • Atrial septal defect surgery: $35,000 to $55,000 for repairing a hole in the heart wall.
  • Interventricular septal defect surgery: $35,000 to $65,000 to close openings between lower heart chambers.
  • Tetralogy of Fallot surgery: $50,000 to $80,000 for complex congenital defect correction.
  • Coronary bypass surgery: Often costs 15-20% less when using traditional versus robotic-assisted surgical methods.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Spain is a premier destination for complex heart surgeries due to its high survival rates. Centro Médico Teknon in Barcelona reports a 98.2% postoperative survival rate under world-class specialists. Clinics such as Clínica Universidad de Navarra hold JCI accreditation and are ranked among the world's best by Newsweek. Paying for premium centers in Barcelona ensures access to doctors with over 35 years of experience. These facilities often provide official medical services for elite international athletic organizations and celebrities.

Key Benefits

Why choose Spain for open heart surgery?

  • Accredited clinics: JCI-certified hospitals offer assurance of high-quality standards and patient safety.
  • Latest technologies: The use of procedures such as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) and minimally invasive cardiac surgery, along with innovative devices like the HeartMate 3 LVAD, ensures precise and effective treatment.
  • High success rates: Open heart surgeries in Spain have an efficacy rate of 95%. They deliver excellent outcomes across various patient conditions.
  • Expert surgeons: Leading cardiac surgeons, certified by the European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery, have performed over 2,000 successful open heart procedures.

Access advanced open heart surgery solutions in trusted clinics .

TurkeyAustriaSpain
Open heart surgeryfrom $8,000from $70,000from $30,000
Ventricular Septal Defect Surgeryfrom $12,000from $40,000from $30,000
Tetralogy of Fallot Surgeryfrom $14,400from $120,000from $50,000
Interventricular septal defect surgeryfrom $18,000from $60,000from $35,000
Atrial septal defect surgeryfrom $12,000from $40,000from $35,000
Data verified by Bookimed as of July 2026, based on patient requests and official quotes from 114 clinics worldwide. Median costs are based on real invoices (2025–2026) and updated monthly. Actual prices may vary.

Discover the Best Open heart surgery Clinics in Spain: 4 Verified Options and Prices

The Bookimed clinic ranking is based on data science algorithms, providing a trusted, transparent, and objective comparison. It takes into account patient demand, review scores (both positive and negative), the frequency of updates to treatment options and prices, response speed, and clinic certifications.
Centro Médico Teknon
Hospital Ruber Internacional
SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital
Clinica Universidad de Navarra (Navarra Hospital)

Open heart surgery Overview in Spain

Takeaways
Related procedures & Costs
How it works
What to expect
Pros & Cons
Benefits
Payment
patients recommend -
85%
Surgery Time - 4 hours
Stay in the country - 14 days
Rehabilitation - 6 days
Anesthesia - General anesthesia
Requests processed - 3049
Bookimed fees - $0

Bookimed, a leading global medical tourism platform, is committed to helping clients looking for Open heart surgery in Spain by offering expert assistance and trustworthy medical solutions for every situation. Smart automatic ranking system is used to compose transparent clinic listings, meticulously maintained by a data scientist using AI for accuracy. The platform guarantees authenticity by publishing reviews from real patients after their treatments. Bookimed offers comprehensive medical solutions, with updates from clinics to ensure trustworthiness. The content about Open heart surgery in Spain, crafted by experienced medical authors and reviewed by specialists, adheres to Bookimed"s Editorial Guidelines, reflecting the platform"s commitment to delivering high-quality and clear health information. For more details or inquiries, feel free to contact us at marketing@bookimed.com or learn more about us and our mission here.

Our Doctors

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verified

Xavier Ruyra Baliarda

34 years of experience

One of the world's leading specialists in the Ross procedure – Dr. Ruyra has 34 years of experience of cardiac surgery experience at Centro Médico Teknon.

  • Expert in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, including transplants
  • Pioneer of minimally invasive cardiac procedures
  • Associate Professor of Surgery at Autonomous University of Barcelona
  • Member of European Society of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
verified

Raul Felipe Abella

35 years of experience

Dr. Abella has performed over 5,000 heart surgeries with a 98.2% survival rate – on par with the world's leading cardiac centers. He heads Cor Barcelona International Center.

  • Specializes in congenital heart disorders in both children and adults
  • Trained at La Sapienza University with fellowships in France, Switzerland, and the USA
  • Authored 200+ articles on cardiovascular surgery
  • Conducted 56 humanitarian missions worldwide
verified

Fernando Villagrá

44 years of experience

Over 44 years of experience in pediatric cardiac surgery – Dr. Villagrá leads the Children's Cardiac Surgery Service at HM Montepríncipe, specializing in congenital heart defects.

  • Trained at renowned centers including Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic
  • Head of Congenital Heart Disease Unit since 1982
  • Published 100+ research papers in international journals
  • Fellowship at University of Connecticut's cardiovascular program

Video Stories from Bookimed Patients

Bonnie
The surgeon was extremely knowledgeable, and I am very pleased with the international service provided.
Procedure: Open heart surgery

Reviews about Bookimed: Discover Patients' Insights

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Bonnie Baumbach • Open heart surgery
United States of America
Mar 17, 2025
Verified review.
I'm very pleased
The surgeon was extremely knowledgeable I'm very pleased With the international service
About Bookimed service
They help me look at many countries and hospital to find the best price
Anonymous • Heart Valve Replacement
Ukraine
Feb 5, 2020
Verified review.
Thank you
Skype consultation went well. We got the answers. Thank you, no problem
Anonymous • Endovenous radiofrequence ablation (EVRF)
United States of America
Feb 11, 2022
Verified review.
Nothing to improve they were superb
Nothing to improve they were superb.
About Bookimed service
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Updated: 03/17/2025
Authored by
Anna Leonova
Anna Leonova
Head of Content Marketing Team
A certified medical writer with 10+ years of experience, developed Bookimed’s trusted content, backed by a Master’s in Philology and medical expert interviews worldwide.
Fahad Mawlood
Medical Editor & Data Scientist
General practitioner. Winner of 4 scientific awards. Served in Western Asia. Former Team Leader of a medical team supporting Arabic-speaking patients. Now responsible for data processing and medical content accuracy.
Fahad Mawlood Linkedin
This page may feature information relating to various medical conditions, treatments, and healthcare services available in different countries. Please be advised that the content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or guidance. Please consult with your doctor or a qualified medical professional before starting or changing medical treatment.

Our Open heart surgery Techniques: What Suits You Best?

When considering Open heart surgery, it’s important to understand the different techniques and which is best suited for you. Here’s a concise comparison of popular options:

Atrial Septal Defect Surgery

This procedure involves repairing a hole in the atrial septum to improve heart function and prevent complications.

Pros: Minimally invasive with a high success rate of 95%. Reduces the risk of heart failure and stroke.
Cons: Some patients may experience arrhythmias post-surgery. Requires hospital stay of 3-5 days.
Effectiveness: Success rate of 95% in closing the defect and improving heart function.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Recovery: 2-3 weeks
Best for: Patients with large atrial septal defects causing symptoms or heart enlargement.
Prices: Cost of Atrial septal defect surgery in Spain from $35,000

Tetralogy of Fallot Surgery

This procedure corrects heart defects present from birth, improving oxygen flow and overall cardiac function.

Pros: Offers improved long-term survival rates, with over 90% of patients living into adulthood. Enhances quality of life significantly by alleviating symptoms like cyanosis and breathlessness.
Cons: Involves complex open-heart surgery, requiring extended recovery time. Potential complications include arrhythmias and residual heart defects.
Effectiveness: Success rate exceeds 95% in improving oxygen levels and heart function.
Duration: 3-6 hours
Recovery: 4-6 weeks
Best for: Infants and children with Tetralogy of Fallot, addressing four specific heart defects.
Prices: Cost of Tetralogy of Fallot Surgery in Spain from $50,000

Ventricular Septal Defect Surgery

This cardiac operation involves repairing a hole in the septum between the heart's ventricles to improve blood flow and heart function.

Pros: High success rates with up to 95% effective in closing the defect. Minimally invasive options available, reducing recovery time.
Cons: Risks include potential for arrhythmias and the need for follow-up surgeries. Complications occur in about 5% of cases.
Effectiveness: 95% success rate in defect closure.
Duration: 3-6 hours
Recovery: 4-6 weeks
Best for: Congenital heart defects with a significant septal hole, improving oxygenation.

FAQ about Open heart surgery in Spain

These FAQs come from real patients seeking medical assistance through Bookimed. Answers are given by experienced medical coordinators and trusted clinic representatives.

Are Spanish surgeons experienced with international patients?

Spanish cardiac surgeons are highly experienced with international patients, working within a healthcare system ranked among the worlds top three. Elite centers in Barcelona and Madrid maintain Joint Commission International accreditation, employing surgeons with extensive fellowships from prestigious US and European institutions to ensure high-standard care.

  • Global training: Surgeons frequently complete fellowships at the Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and Mount Sinai.
  • Specialized expertise: Experts like Dr. Raul Felipe Abella have performed over 5,000 cardiac operations.
  • Language accessibility: Major private hospitals provide dedicated international departments and bilingual medical coordinators.
  • Success rates: High-volume centers report outstanding outcomes, such as a 98.2% surgical survival rate.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While many countries offer cardiac care, Spains infrastructure uniquely supports complex pediatric cases. SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital manages 450,000 patients annually, showing that Spanish expertise spans from infancy to adulthood. This high volume across diverse age groups creates a level of specialized clinical judgment rarely found in smaller medical hubs.

Patient Consensus: Patients frequently praise the specialized knowledge of surgeons and the quality of international services. However, they advise bringing a companion to help with logistics outside the hospital as local pharmacy staff may not always speak English.

What is the typical recovery time after open-heart surgery in Spain?

Recovery after open-heart surgery in Spain typically takes 3 to 6 months for full physical capacity. Patients generally remain in the hospital for 7 to 14 days. Initial healing milestones occur within 2 to 4 weeks, with a return to daily activities usually possible by month 2.

  • Hospital duration: Standard stays last 1 to 2 weeks for monitoring and initial rehabilitation.
  • Activity restrictions: Patients must avoid lifting over 10 pounds for at least 6 weeks.
  • Sternal healing: The breastbone requires 6 to 8 weeks to stabilize after surgical procedures.
  • Post-operative timeline: Expect follow-up evaluations at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-surgery.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While basic recovery starts immediately, the distinction is in the hospital stay. Spanish centers like Centro Médico Teknon or Ruber Internacional often extend stays to 14 days. This longer clinical monitoring helps manage complex protocols like the Ross procedure or valve reconstructions more safely than shorter 5-day windows.

Patient Consensus: Many patients report feeling significantly better within the first month but emphasize the importance of high-calorie diets and light walking. Those on blood thinners highlight the need to monitor vegetable intake during their recovery stay in Spain.

What types of open-heart procedures are performed in Spain?

Spain performs various open-heart procedures including coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve replacement, and complex aortic aneurysm repairs. Specialized JCI-accredited centers in Barcelona and Madrid also offer the Ross procedure, congenital defect corrections, and robotic-assisted surgeries utilizing the Da Vinci Xi system for adult and pediatric patients.

  • Valve surgery: Surgeons perform Ross procedures, valve plastic surgery, and aortic or mitral valve replacements.
  • Bypass surgery: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) restores blood flow using open or minimally invasive approaches.
  • Congenital repair: Specialist clinics treat Tetralogy of Fallot, Atelocardia, and septal defects in pediatric patients.
  • Aortic repair: Procedures include surgical repair of aortic aneurysms and heart cryoablation for complex arrhythmias.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Spain ranks 3rd globally in our patient requests, largely due to ultra-specialized pediatric expertise. While general open-heart surgery costs $30,000 to $50,000, centers like SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital handle 450,000 patients annually. This high volume across dedicated pediatric facilities ensures specialized care for infants that general hospitals often cannot match.

Patient Consensus: Patients frequently praise the deep medical knowledge of Spanish surgeons and the responsiveness of international departments. Many emphasize discussing valve durability and exploring minimally invasive alternatives during initial consultations to improve their recovery experience.

Which are the top-rated cardiac surgery hospitals in Spain?

Top-rated cardiac surgery hospitals in Spain include Centro Médico Teknon in Barcelona and Hospital Ruber Internacional in Madrid. These JCI-accredited facilities lead in complex valve reconstructions and minimally invasive procedures. Clinica Universidad de Navarra also ranks highly for cardiac outcomes and specialized cardiovascular research.

  • Teknon Medical Center: JCI-accredited Barcelona facility performing 10,000 annual procedures; preferred by high-profile athletes.
  • Hospital Ruber Internacional: Ranked among Spain's top 6 hospitals with advanced Da Vinci Xi robotics.
  • SJD Barcelona Children’s: Leading pediatric center maintaining a 98.8% survival rate for complex heart surgeries.
  • Universidad de Navarra: Frequently named a top world hospital by Newsweek for specialized cardiac surgery.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Spain’s top cardiovascular surgeons, like Dr. Raul Felipe Abella at Teknon, often have extensive international training. Dr. Abella has performed over 5,000 operations with a 98.2% survival rate. High surgical volume across these centers explains the consistently positive outcomes for complex procedures.

Patient Consensus: International patients prefer private Spanish clinics for significantly shorter wait times than public systems. Multilingual medical coordinators at Teknon and Quironsalud Madrid make the process stress-free for non-Spanish speakers.

What are the advantages of choosing Spain for heart surgery?

Spain offers elite cardiac care featuring Joint Commission International-accredited hospitals and world-renowned surgeons. Patients benefit from advanced techniques like the Ross procedure, robotic-assisted surgery, and minimally invasive options. High success rates, including documented 98.2% survival for complex grafts, define the Spanish medical landscape.

  • Cost efficiency: Patients save 75% compared to US costs for identical cardiac procedures.
  • Rapid access: Private hospitals schedule major surgeries within 2–4 weeks, avoiding long public waitlists.
  • Clinical quality: Facilities like Centro Médico Teknon hold Joint Commission International and Newsweek rankings.
  • Surgeon expertise: Top specialists maintain certifications from the European Board of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Spain’s unique advantage is its world-leading organ donation infrastructure and digital health integration. While many countries struggle with transplant waitlists, Spain’s high donor rates significantly shorten the timeline. Doctors like Raul Felipe Abella at Centro Médico Teknon have performed over 5,000 operations. This massive volume ensures surgeons remain at peak proficiency for high-risk cases.

Patient Consensus: Patients value the highly efficient, digitized journey and the punctuality of consultations. Many note that international service departments provide expert coordination that simplifies the entire surgical experience.

How can I prepare for heart surgery in Spain?

Preparing for heart surgery in Spain requires comprehensive medical evaluation, physical prehabilitation, and logistical coordination. Patients typically undergo 1–2 hours of clinical testing, including blood work, EKKG, and chest X-rays. Securing a recovery plan for the 6–8 week healing timeline is essential for international travelers.

  • Physical prep: Stop smoking and engage in prehab exercises to reduce postoperative complications.
  • Clinical checks: Complete mandatory anesthesia fitness tests and report all drug allergies.
  • Clothing needs: Pack loose dresses and slip-on shoes to accommodate surgical incisions comfortably.
  • Documentation: Establish a formal coordination plan for prescriptions before departing Spanish facilities.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Spain ranks 3rd globally for medical requests on our platform, largely due to high-volume centers like Centro Médico Teknon and Hospital Ruber Internacional. While surgery costs $30,000 to $50,000, patients should prioritize surgeons with high survival rates. For instance, Dr. Raul Felipe Abella at Teknon maintains a 98.2% survival rate across 5,000 surgeries, providing a significant safety margin for complex congenital or valve procedures.

Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of early movement after surgery to speed up recovery and recommend removing nail polish before arrival so monitors function correctly.

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