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Dr. Raul F Abella

Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon

, Barcelona, Spain

25 Years of experience

Speaks: English , Spanish

 

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Dr. Raul F Abella is a specialized Pediatric CTVS in Spain. And one of the most sought after medical specialists in Barcelona, Spain. The doctor has over 25 Years of experience and is associated with Dexeus University Hospital.

Association and Memberships Dr. Raul F Abella is part of:

  • Founding Member of the World Society for Paediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery.
  • Member of the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery

Qualifications :

  • 1986 Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery
  • 1987 Morphology of Congenital Heart Disease, Ministry of Public Health and Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery
  • 1989 Cardiac Surgery Training

Hospital Address :

Hospital Universitari Dexeus - Grupo Quir

Medical Expertise of Dr. Raul F Abella

  • Dr. Ral Felipe Abellá is a paediatric cardiovascular surgery consultant.
  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Repair, Fontan Procedure, PDA Closure, and TOF Repair constitute the procedures that are the expertise of Dr. Raul F Abella.
  • More than 25 years of experience and over 3000 heart operations, including some of the most complex procedures.
  • Founding Member of the World Society for Paediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery and Member of the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.
  • Speaker at over 100 national and international conferences, 200 articles and publications.
  • Member of the Cardiac Paediatric Surgery Programme, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Medical School Programme, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
  • 56 plus humanitarian missions in 9 nations as a cardiovascular surgeon and operated on more than 525 children with or without extracorporeal circulation.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Choose the Best Specialist for the Fontan Procedure in Spain?

The Fontan procedure is a complex congenital heart surgery performed in children or young adults with single-ventricle defects (e.g., tricuspid atresia, hypoplastic left heart syndrome).

Look for a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon with:

  • Specialisation in single-ventricle palliation
  • Experience with multistage surgeries (Norwood, Glenn, Fontan)
  • Access to advanced pediatric cardiac care and postoperative management
How Do I Choose the Best Hospital for the Fontan Procedure in Spain?

Choose a NABH- or JCI-accredited hospital with a dedicated pediatric cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery unit. Look for:

  • Pediatric ICU with ECMO, ventilator, and 24/7 cardiac monitoring
  • Advanced imaging (ECHO, MRI, cath lab)
  • Interdisciplinary team: pediatric cardiologists, intensivists, anesthesiologists
  • Support for long-term post-op care and rehabilitation
Can I Consult a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon Online Before I Travel? How Can I Access Patient Reviews?

Yes. MediGence enables pre-treatment teleconsultations with pediatric cardiac surgeons to assess candidacy for the Fontan procedure.

To prepare:

  • Upload Echocardiogram, Cardiac MRI, Lab Reports
  • Share surgical history, current medications, and symptoms
  • View specialist profiles, pediatric outcomes, and testimonials
  • Book a secure online session through MediGence
How Long Will I Need to Stay in Spain for the Fontan Procedure?

The timeline depends on the patient’s heart function, comorbidities, and recovery pace.

Pre-Surgery Evaluation:

  • Consultation, diagnostics, cardiac imaging: 3–5 days
  • Anaesthesia evaluation, pre-op stabilisation: 1–2 days

Surgery & Recovery:

  • Fontan Procedure: 4–6 hours under general anaesthesia
  • Pediatric ICU stay: 5–7 days
  • Ward recovery: 7–10 days
  • Post-op follow-up and rehabilitation: 5–7 days

Total Expected Stay: 3–4 weeks

Virtual support is available post-discharge via MediGence.

Can International Patients Access the Fontan Procedure in Spain?

Yes. Spain is a leading destination for advanced pediatric cardiac surgeries at affordable costs.

Advantages:

  • Highly experienced pediatric cardiac teams
  • State-of-the-art cardiac infrastructure
  • English-speaking doctors and international care coordinators

MediGence Services:

  • Appointment booking with top pediatric cardiac surgeons
  • Visa support, airport pick-up, and local accommodation help
  • Post-surgery recovery guidance and discharge summaries
What Qualifications and Experience Should the Doctor Have for the Fontan Procedure?

Qualifications:

  • MBBS + MS (General Surgery) + MCh (Cardiothoracic Surgery)
  • Fellowship or specialisation in pediatric cardiac surgery

Certifications:

  • Member of STS (Society of Thoracic Surgeons), EACTS, or Pediatric Cardiac Society of Spain (PCSI)
  • Participation in global training programs and high-volume cardiac centers

Experience:

  • Performing multistage surgeries: Norwood, Glenn, Fontan
  • Expertise in managing cyanotic congenital heart defects
  • High success rates in low-weight infants and complex reoperations
Can I Get a Second Opinion for the Fontan Procedure?

Yes. MediGence facilitates:

  • Second opinions on echo/MRI findings, cath lab interpretations
  • Evaluation of surgical timing and risks
  • Discussion of complications, arrhythmia risk, and anticoagulation post-surgery
  • Clarity on whether Fontan completion is the optimal next step
How Do I Verify the Credibility of a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon or Hospital?

To ensure you choose the best care:

  • Verify memberships: PCSI, STS, EACTS
  • Confirm NABH or JCI accreditation of the hospital
  • Review patient success stories, ICU survival rates, and long-term outcomes
  • Ask about Fontan fenestration options and post-surgical monitoring protocols
What Should I Expect During a Virtual Consultation for the Fontan Procedure via MediGence?

During your online session:

  • The surgeon will review the child’s diagnostic reports and surgical history
  • Explain the Fontan procedure, candidacy, and expected benefits
  • Discuss surgical risks, ICU care plan, and long-term follow-up
  • Share an estimate of cost, recovery time, and hospital stay
  • Address your questions about insurance, travel, and post-op support