When a heart condition requires surgery, choosing where to receive treatment can be as important as understanding the operation itself. For international patients, the decision involves specialist expertise, access to advanced procedures, preoperative assessment and a clear plan for recovery after returning home.
Cardiac surgery in Spain includes treatment for coronary artery disease, damaged heart valves, diseases of the aorta and selected congenital heart conditions. Barcelona brings together hospitals with cardiovascular teams capable of assessing complex cases and comparing surgical and less invasive options.
This guide explains when heart surgery may be recommended, the main procedures available, how a multidisciplinary heart team makes decisions and what patients travelling to Barcelona should prepare before treatment.
Does every serious heart condition require open-heart surgery?
No. Some patients benefit from conventional open surgery, others may be candidates for minimally invasive operations or catheter-based treatments, and some can be managed without an intervention. The safest and most appropriate option depends on the diagnosis, anatomy, symptoms, overall health and specialist assessment.
What is cardiac surgery, and when is it recommended?
Cardiac surgery refers to operations performed to treat structural or functional problems affecting the heart and, in some cases, the major blood vessels connected to it. It differs from general cardiology, which also includes diagnosis, prevention, medication and non-surgical procedures.
Surgeons may recommend an operation when a condition substantially affects blood flow or heart function, causes significant symptoms, carries a risk of serious complications or has not responded adequately to other treatments. Examples include severe coronary artery disease, advanced valve disease, certain aortic aneurysms and selected congenital defects.
A heart team assesses the patient’s anatomy, symptoms, overall health and available alternatives before recommending surgery.
What types of cardiac surgery are available in Spain?
Specialised hospitals in Spain assess a broad range of heart conditions. The procedures below are among the principal treatments that patients may discuss with a cardiovascular team.
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
Coronary artery bypass grafting, commonly called heart bypass surgery, is used to improve blood supply to the heart muscle when coronary arteries have significant narrowing or blockage. The surgeon creates an alternative pathway for blood using a healthy blood vessel taken from another part of the body, such as an artery from the chest or arm or a vein from the leg.
Bypass may be considered for patients with complex or extensive coronary artery disease, particularly when the pattern of narrowing makes stent treatment less suitable. The decision takes into account symptoms, cardiac function, diabetes, the number and location of affected arteries and other clinical factors.
Depending on the case, bypass may be performed with or without a heart-lung machine.
Heart valve repair and replacement
The heart has four valves that maintain blood flow in the correct direction. Valve disease can occur when a valve becomes narrowed (stenosis) or fails to close properly, allowing blood to leak backwards (regurgitation).
Depending on the valve and the condition, the surgical team may recommend valve repair, which preserves the patient’s own valve, or valve replacement using a mechanical or biological prosthesis. Repair may be preferable when a durable repair is feasible, but not every valve can be repaired.
Mechanical replacement valves generally require lifelong anticoagulation; biological valves have different durability considerations. International patients should discuss follow-up needs before treatment.
Aortic aneurysm and aortic surgery
The aorta is the large artery carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Surgery may be necessary when part of the aorta becomes dangerously enlarged, develops a tear in its wall or is affected by another serious structural problem.
Treatment depends on the affected section, its size, symptoms and individual risk. Some acute aortic conditions require emergency care rather than planned travel.
Open-heart surgery, minimally invasive surgery and catheter procedures: what is the difference?
Not every advanced treatment for heart disease is technically a surgical operation. Distinguishing between these approaches helps patients understand their options.
Conventional cardiac surgery
Often uses an incision through the breastbone (sternotomy), providing broad access for complex repairs or combined procedures.
Minimally invasive or robotic surgery
Uses smaller access points in selected operations. The surgeon remains in control, including when robotic instruments are used.
Catheter-based intervention
Treats some cardiovascular conditions using instruments guided through blood vessels, generally without a traditional surgical chest incision.
For example, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) allows a replacement aortic valve to be delivered through a catheter in appropriately selected patients. Coronary angioplasty and stenting are other examples of catheter-based care, though they treat coronary artery disease rather than replacing a valve.
These methods are not interchangeable. Open surgery may be needed for complex anatomy or multiple simultaneous problems, while a transcatheter approach may be appropriate for another patient. The decision should be based on a clinical comparison of risks, expected durability and long-term needs, not solely on incision size.
Readers interested specifically in smaller-incision techniques can explore BIH’s detailed guide to robotic and minimally invasive heart surgery in Barcelona.
Why is a multidisciplinary heart team important in complex cardiac surgery?
Complex heart conditions rarely involve only one specialist. A multidisciplinary heart team may bring together cardiac surgeons, clinical and interventional cardiologists, cardiac imaging experts, anaesthesiologists, intensive-care specialists, nurses and rehabilitation professionals.
Together they compare procedures, imaging findings, clinical risks and follow-up needs, rather than choosing a technique solely because it is newer or less invasive.
For an international patient, multidisciplinary planning also helps clarify which tests can be reviewed before travel, whether further examinations are needed on arrival and what follow-up will be necessary in the patient’s home country. Collaboration is particularly important when a patient has kidney disease, lung problems, previous cardiac procedures or several conditions requiring coordinated care.
Cardiac surgery hospitals in Barcelona within the BIH network
Barcelona International Hospitals brings together centres with different areas of medical expertise. For cardiac surgery, the following associated hospitals have documented cardiovascular or paediatric cardiac surgery services. The procedures available and eligibility for treatment must be confirmed with the receiving hospital; not every centre performs every intervention.
- barnaclínic+: cardiovascular surgery covering coronary, valve and selected aortic conditions, with minimally invasive and robotic approaches for appropriately selected patients.
- Centro Médico Teknon: multidisciplinary cardiovascular assessment through its heart institute, including cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology and advanced cardiac imaging.
- Hospital Quirónsalud Barcelona: cardiac surgery for conditions involving coronary arteries, valves and the aorta, supported by cardiology, anaesthesia and critical-care teams.
- Hospital Universitari Dexeus: cardiac surgery services including valve, coronary and aortic procedures, as well as selected minimally invasive operations.
- SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital: specialised paediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery for congenital and acquired heart conditions affecting children and young people.
The available procedures vary between centres; treatment suitability must be confirmed individually.
What are the risks of heart surgery, and how long does recovery take?
Heart surgery is a major intervention. Potential complications can include bleeding, infection, abnormal heart rhythms, stroke, kidney dysfunction, respiratory problems or the need for another procedure. The probability of each complication varies significantly with the patient’s condition, urgency, age, other illnesses and type of operation.
Recovery usually begins with close monitoring in a postoperative or intensive-care setting, followed by hospital-based mobilisation and, where indicated, cardiac rehabilitation. Rehabilitation can include supervised exercise, education about medication, wound care and practical guidance for returning to everyday activities.
Recovery time depends on the operation and the individual; discharge does not mean full recovery.
International patients should ask when they may safely fly, whether they will need assistance during travel, which symptoms require urgent attention and how their local cardiologist will receive the discharge summary. Postoperative follow-up should be agreed before departure, especially when medication monitoring or ongoing imaging is necessary.
Planning cardiac surgery in Spain as an international patient
Planning starts with an individual cardiac assessment and a clear follow-up pathway.
1. Request a specialist review
Share relevant reports and imaging with the hospital to establish which team should evaluate the case. An initial remote review may help identify questions to address in person, but it may not be enough to confirm treatment.
2. Compare the proposed options
Ask why surgery is being recommended, whether a less invasive alternative exists, what the expected benefits and risks are, and what would happen if treatment were delayed. Where possible, request an explanation of the proposed surgical approach and expected follow-up requirements.
3. Confirm the practical arrangements
Discuss the anticipated hospital stay, the presence of an accompanying person, medical costs, translation needs and any visa or travel documentation. Actual services and documentation support should be confirmed with the selected institution. For visa planning, BIH also provides a guide on how to apply for a medical visa to Spain.
4. Arrange postoperative care at home
Plan how medical records will be shared, when follow-up consultations should take place and who will monitor medication, rehabilitation or wound healing after the patient returns home. These arrangements are particularly important following complex cardiac procedures.
Choosing a cardiac surgery pathway in Barcelona
Choosing among bypass, valve repair, aortic surgery and catheter-based treatment requires an individual diagnosis, discussion of alternatives and coordinated follow-up.
BIH brings together specialist hospitals for adult and paediatric heart care. The right hospital depends on the patient’s condition and clinical assessment.
Considering cardiac surgery in Barcelona?
If you are seeking specialist assessment for a heart condition, contact Barcelona International Hospitals to learn more about the hospitals within the network and how to enquire about an appropriate medical evaluation.
Important information: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The suitability, risks, availability and expected recovery of any cardiac procedure must be assessed by qualified healthcare professionals. Patients with sudden severe chest pain, significant breathing difficulty, fainting or other possible signs of an acute cardiac emergency should seek urgent local medical care rather than plan international travel.
