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2 Specialists

Dr. Josep Brugada

Pediatric Cardiologist

, Barcelona, Spain

40 Years of experience

Speaks: Spanish , Catalan , English , French , Italian

 


Dr. Josep Brugada is a specialized Pediatric Cardiologist in Spain. And one of the most sought after medical specialists in Barcelona, Spain. The doctor has over 40 Years of experience and is associated with Centro Medico Teknon.

Association and Memberships Dr. Josep Brugada is part of:

  • President of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) between 2006 and 2008.
  • Member of the Executive Committee, European Society of Cardiology, 2008-2009.
  • Member of the International Advisory Board of the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (NASPE), 1998-2002.

Qualifications :

  • Masters degree in Integrated Health Services Management. ESADE Business School (2004 2005).
  • Cardiology Specialist, Montpellier, and Sports Medicine and Biology Specialist, Montpellier (1987 1988).
  • PhD in Medicine and Surgery, University of Barcelona (1986 1987).
  • Bachelors Degree in Medicine and Surgery, University of Barcelona (1978 1982).

Hospital Address :

Centro M

Medical Expertise of Dr. Josep Brugada

  • Dr. Brugada Terradellas has more than 20 years of experience as a Medical Director of Cardiology.
  • A recognised expert in cardiac arrhythmia and sports cardiology.
  • He has authored numerous national and international scientific articles, and his research contributions include a profile of a sickness that causes abrupt death (Brugada Syndrome).
  • Dr. Brugada has also received numerous awards for professional performance and is a member of the major medical associations in his field.
  • President of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) between 2006 and 2008.
  • Member of the Executive Committee, European Society of Cardiology, 2008-2009, Member of the International Advisory Board of the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (NASPE), 1998-2002.
  • Rich Research and Teaching Experience with 486 publications in journals with an impact factor, total impact factor: 1,824; citations: 20,903; H-index: 68.
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Dr. Raul F Abella

Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon

, Barcelona, Spain

25 Years of experience

Speaks: English , Spanish

 


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

Do Hospitals in Spain Use Advanced Tech for PDA Closure?

Yes. Top-tier Spanish cardiac centers are equipped with:

  • 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) for real‑time guidance
  • Fluoroscopy and angiography suites optimized for interventional procedures
  • Dedicated cath labs tailored for pediatric and adult structural interventions
  • Hybrid operating rooms with surgical backup
  • Full cardiac anaesthesia teams and ICU support
What Cardiologist Expertise Is Available in Spain?

Spanish interventional cardiologists (adult and pediatric) commonly perform PDA device closures with Amplatzer devices:

  • Trained via fellowships in congenital or structural heart interventions
  • Proficient in catheter-based PDA procedures
  • Familiar with European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines
  • Often engaged with SECPCC or AEPC networks
When Is Amplatzer PDA Occlusion Indicated?

Amplatzer devices are used in these cases:

  • Hemodynamically significant PDA with left‑heart enlargement or volume overload
  • Pulmonary artery pressure < 50% systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance is manageable
  • Premature infants, including those ≥ 700 g, using Piccolo device
Effectiveness & Safety of Amplatzer PDA Devices
  • High closure rates (>99% by 6 months; most within 24 hours)
  • Safe even in small infants
  • Low risk of complications: embolisation <1%, rare protrusion issues when sizing is appropriate.
Are Spanish Centers Open to International Patients?

Absolutely, Spain is a top destination for structural heart care:

  • Pre-arrival planning and international review
  • Assistance with travel logistics: visas, transport, lodging, interpreters
  • Dedicated international care coordinators
  • Platforms like MediGence help connect patients with appropriate teams
Can I Consult in Advance?

Yes. Remote consultations are often available to:

  • Review echo/CT scans for PDA sizing and suitability
  • Consider alternative therapies (medical vs device)
  • Discuss anesthesia, ICU expectations, and care plans
  • Receive cost estimates and scheduling details
What are the Qualifications of PDA Specialists?

Spanish cardiologists typically hold:

  • MD + Cardiology specialization
  • Training/fellowship in interventional or congenital cardiology
  • Spanish Ministry of Health licensure
  • Membership or affiliation with SECPCC, ESC, AEPC
How to Verify a Cardiologist’s Credentials?
  • Confirm registration on the General Council of Medical Colleges (CGCOM)
  • Ask MediGence (or hospital) for procedural volume, complication statistics, and outcomes
  • Check international affiliations or prior training
  • Read verified patient reviews and success stories
Timing for PDA Device Closure?
  • Infants/kids/adults: if PDA causes significant shunt or left heart enlargement
  • Delaying closure can risk heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or endocarditis