Dr. Rodolfo Bonilla, F.A.C.S.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Dr. Rodolfo Bonilla is one of the most well-respected cardiothoracic surgeons in Guatemala, with over 30 years of experience performing cardiac procedures, from angioplasties to CABG, or coronary artery by-pass grafts. When life-threatening blockages inhibit blood flow, and medications are no longer working, sometimes patients need to rely on a cardio-thoracic procedure to restore their quality of life. Wise patients will trust their successful outcome to only the best providers possible.

Dr. Bonilla performs dozens of heart surgeries every month; the most frequent are coronary bypass or valve replacement and repair. He has a special skill with minimally invasive aortic valve replacement procedures, which are done with smaller incisions, to give the patient a faster and easier recovery.

Dr. Bonilla has been a pioneer in Guatemala in the new technique of “Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery” (OPCAB), or surgery on a beating heart, as lead surgeon during the first 64 of such operations. More than 70% of all heart surgeries occur on a still heart attached to a heart-lung machine, but the new method offers superior safety, and is proven to reduce side-effects for successful recovery.

“Heart disease does not affect only the elderly, as we see more and more young people in their 30’s and 40’s requiring coronary procedures.” says Dr Bonilla. He notes the factors that contribute to illness such as smoking, eating fast food, having diabetes, and not getting regular check-ups. A diet with plenty of fiber, vegetables, and fats from grains, nuts and avocado will reduce inflammation and cholesterol deposits.

Dr. Bonilla stays current by reading the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, a United States publication offering the latest information in techniques and training to cardio-vascular specialists around the world. The research articles help him to stay current with techniques that might offer increased safety and success for his own patients in Guatemala. Twice each year the doctor also attends seminars and conventions in the United States and Europe to stay abreast of the latest technological advancements.

Apart from patient obligations, Dr. Bonilla enjoys conducting classes for surgical residents at the university teaching hospital, igniting lively conversation and medical debates. The doctor also mentions a passion for photography, to appreciate and capture the form, function, and beauty of nature, as well as the human body.

Patients of Dr. Bonilla always appreciate the comfort of having an open and trusting personal relationship with the doctor. He makes it a priority to be sure that patients are well-informed, comprehending all aspects of the procedure and post-operative recommendations to improve their quality of life for years to come. Dr. Bonilla feels that serious devotion to medical technology, plus sincere human warmth, allow him to give the first-class service and respect that his patients deserve.