US
Cardiac (Heart) Imaging | Nemours Children's Health
Cardiac (Heart) Imaging | Nemours Children's Health
Cardiac (Heart) Imaging
Cardiac (Heart) Imaging
For Appointments
Cardiac (Heart) Imaging
Central Florida
(407) 650-7715
Northwest Florida
(850) 505-4775
Contact Nemours
Visit our contact page to find more contact information for each of our regions
Second Opinions
Cardiac (Heart) Imaging
(800) 416-4441
Second Opinions
Cardiac (Heart) Imaging
For Appointments & Second Opinions
Cardiac (Heart) Imaging
Delaware Valley
(800) 416-4441
Central Florida
(407) 650-7715
Northwest Florida
(850) 505-4775
Second Opinions Delaware Valley
(302) 651-6600
Second Opinions Central Florida
(407) 567-4327
Contact Nemours
Visit our contact page to find more contact information for each of our regions
Our Care
Your Visit
Advanced Heart Imaging for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
If your child has a heart or blood vessel problem, the sooner we can find out what’s going on, the better. Nemours Children’s advanced pediatric heart imaging and diagnostic tests are backed by a wealth of pediatric cardiology expertise.
We offer leading-edge capabilities to find heart problems early, even in
babies still in the womb
. We use the latest tools like 3D echocardiography, stress echocardiography, heart MRI and heart CT. We’re researching and pushing the boundaries, coming up with new and safer ways to use cardiac imaging.
Our specialists are national leaders who set the standard in pediatric heart imaging. As part of award-winning heart centers in
Delaware
and
Florida
, we have vast expertise in detecting the most rare and complex conditions. In fact, doctors around the country have us review images for second opinions on complex cases.
At Nemours, we use methods that ease anxiety and reduce the need for sedation, contrast and IV (intravenous) line placement during imaging. And we think you shouldn’t have to wait for answers. We work to give results as soon as the imaging study is complete through our
Nemours Children's MyChart
Two Leading Heart Centers
Our heart centers offer highly advanced, integrated care for those with congenital heart disease. Learn about our focused programs, innovative research, and exceptional outcomes.
Cardiac Center, Delaware Valley
Located in Wilmington, Delaware
Cardiac Center, Florida
Located in Orlando, Florida
An echocardiogram uses harmless soundwaves to create pictures of the heart. Learn what it is and how it’s performed from the experts at Nemours KidsHealth
A computed tomography (CT) study uses computers and a rotating X-ray machine to take pictures of the body. Learn about CT scans and what to expect.
Getting an MRI is easier when your child knows what to expect. See what an MRI machine looks like and help your child prepare.
echo
Genetic Counseling
DNA
World-Class Heart Cardiac Testing for Kids
We offer the latest technologies, equipment and methods to make heart imaging safe, precise and stress-free. We work closely with your child’s entire care team to help make the most informed decisions.
We’re
accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL) for our commitment
to quality.
We're
researching and developing innovative ways to use imaging in heart disease detection
and care for kids.
Most heart imaging is done without sedation
, but if needed, our highly trained cardiac anesthesiologists are here for most tests and offer safe sedation methods.
Our Child Life specialists
provide play therapy and distraction. For longer tests, like cardiac MRIs, kids can watch movies
through virtual reality goggles.
World-Class Heart Cardiac Testing for Kids
We offer the latest technologies, equipment and methods to make heart imaging safe, precise and stress-free. We work closely with your child’s entire care team to help make the most informed decisions.
We’re
accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL) for our commitment
to quality.
We're
researching and developing innovative ways to use imaging in heart disease detection and care
for kids.
Most heart imaging is done without sedation
, but if needed, our highly trained cardiac anesthesiologists are here for most tests and offer safe sedation methods.
Our Child Life specialists
provide play therapy and distraction. For longer tests, like cardiac MRIs, kids can watch movies
through virtual reality goggles.
Meet the Team
Nemours cardiac imaging teams are experienced and focused on your child's healthiest future. Meet them now.
Abdul Majeed Bhat, MD
Cardiology
Associate Professor at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Mark Joseph Cartoski, MD
Cardiology
Director, Cardiac MRI Program; Director, Advanced Cardiac Noninvasive Imaging Fellowship
Assistant Professor at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Russell Robert Cross, MD
Cardiology
Director, Delaware Outreach
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Alice N. Hackett, MD
Cardiology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Richard Owen Lorber, MD
Cardiology
Medical Director, Fetal Heart Program
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Shannon Nees, MD
Cardiology
Director, Cardiovascular Genetics Program; Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship; Co-Chair, Scholarly Oversight Committee
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Bradley W. Robinson, MD
Cardiology
Director, Cardiopulmonary Exercise Lab
Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Deepika Thacker, MD
Cardiology
Medical Director, Inpatient Cardiac Care Unit
Associate Professor at Thomas Jefferson University
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Sharon Robyn Weil-Chalker, MD
Cardiology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Abbas Haider Zaidi, MD
Cardiology
Medical Director, Outpatient Cardiology Clinic
Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Alejandro Redaelli Arevalo, MD
Cardiology
Director, Cardiopulmonary Exercise Lab-Pensacola
(850) 505-4700
Primary Office
Pensacola, FL
View Provider Profile
Katherine T. Braley, MD
Cardiology
Medical Director, Fetal Heart Program, Director of Fetal Echocardiography
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Gul H. Dadlani, MD
Cardiology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Ameneh Ebadi, DO
Cardiology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Daphney Kernizan, DO
Cardiology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Joseph Kuruvilla, DO
Cardiology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Peace Chike Madueme, MD
Cardiology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Thieu Nguyen, MD
Cardiology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Elena Rueda de Leon, MD
Cardiology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Bevin Weeks, MD
Cardiology
(850) 505-4700
Primary Office
Pensacola, FL
View Provider Profile
Programs & Services
Our technicians, nurses and physicians have special training in pediatric heart imaging and work closely for the best possible results. For your convenience, we offer certain tests at multiple locations within the communities we serve. We offer:
Echocardiography
Echocardiograms — ultrasounds of the heart — create 3D pictures using harmless soundwaves that come from a wand (called a transducer). We offer several types of tests:
Transthoracic echocardiography:
This is the most common form of heart imaging using ultrasound. An ultrasound wand is moved over the chest to visualize the heart from multiple views. We sometimes perform this test
immediately after exercise
to see how the heart responds to physical activity. This is called a stress echo echocardiogram.
Transesophageal echocardiography:
We gently guide a smaller ultrasound wand down the esophagus (throat) to get images of the heart from inside the body. Children are sedated for this test. This is commonly performed during a procedure or surgery.
Fetal echocardiography:
During a fetal echocardiogram, we obtain images of an unborn baby’s heart through an ultrasound wand passed across their mother’s stomach. We provide this imaging through our
fetal heart program
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Cardiac MRI offers highly detailed images of the heart’s structure and pumping ability. The imaging lets providers see and measure blood flow through the blood vessels. It also shows the lungs, trachea (windpipe) and esophagus.
Like echocardiograms, MRIs do not use radiation and often don’t require contrast dye. We strive to keep cardiac MRI studies short and make it easier for kids. Your child can listen to music or watch a movie. We also try not to use sedation and find that many kids starting around 8 years old won’t need it.
With our state-of-the-art cardiac MRI, we:
Take clear pictures without your child having to hold their breath
Perform them without contrast dye whenever possible
Have an imaging cardiologist present at every test, as well as an electrophysiologist if needed
Can also perform a
stress/perfusion test
with medicines that safely increase heart rate for a short time, instead of exercise
Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (CT)
CT scans need just a few seconds to take pictures of multiple layers of the heart and blood vessels. They are often used to look closely at changes in the coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood or the airways. Sometimes a contrast dye is injected through the vein to see the vessels better.
Our CT scans:
Are overseen by a specialized team of cardiac radiologists
Can often be done without sedation
Are performed without contrast dye whenever possible, to reduce the risk of a reaction
Are used to do dynamic airway assessments — watching your child’s heart and breathing in real time
Your child’s safety is our top priority. CT scans involve radiation. That’s why we limit scan times and use lower radiation doses, and only use them when needed.
3D Printing & Modelling Technologies
We use detailed models of the heart and blood vessels for
cardiothoracic surgery
planning and to provide education to families.
Conditions & Treatments
We see many conditions — far too many to list here. The conditions we treat vary depending on the location and providers selected. Don’t see a condition listed? Call us.
Arrhythmias
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
Acquired Heart Disease
Cardiomyopathy
Congenital Heart Defects
Coronary Artery Abnormalities
Kawasaki Disease
Vascular Ring Anomaly and Vascular Sling
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Related Specialties & Programs
Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program
Advanced Delivery Unit
Advanced Life Support
Airway Tracheal Surgery
Behavioral Health (Psychology and Psychiatry)
Cardiac (Heart) Imaging
Cardiac Anesthesiology
Cardiac Center, Delaware Valley
Cardiac Center, Florida
Cardiac Critical Care
Cardiac Exercise Program
Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program
Cardiac Neuromuscular Disorders
Cardiac Psychology
Cardiac Rehabilitation & Fitness
Cardiac Second Opinions
Cardio Oncology
Cardiology
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Cardiovascular Genetics
Catheterization/Interventional Cardiology
Coronary Anomalies Program
Dysautonomia (Autonomic Dysfunction)
Electrophysiology & Arrhythmia Program
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
Fetal Heart Program
Genetics
Heart Center Programs & Services
Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy Program
Heart Transplant Program
Hematology
Inpatient Heart Care
Lymphatics Disease Program
Mechanical Circulatory Support
Meet Our Heart Center Team
Neonatology
Neurology
Newborn Heart Surgery
Nutrition
Orthopedics
Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat/ENT)
Our Cardiac Patient Outcomes
Pacemakers Defibrillators Implanted Devices
Pediatric Cardiac Research
Pediatric Intensive Care
Preventive Cardiology
Pulmonary Hypertension Program
Pulmonology
Rehabilitation Medicine
Resources for Health Professionals
Rheumatology
Single Ventricle Program
Sleep Medicine
Sports Cardiology
Surgery for Rare Heart-Related Genetic Syndromes
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Program
Williams Syndrome Program
Your Child’s Heart Center Visit
Convenient Follow-Up Appointments by Video
We offer follow-up appointments through scheduled, live video visits. You can avoid waiting rooms and save travel time. Ask your doctor if this is an option for your family.
What to Expect
Preparing for Your Child’s Imaging Test
To help you feel more prepared, we answer your questions and provide as much information as your family wants. We have videos to show what will happen. We encourage you to watch with your child (if you feel they are old enough), so you both know what to expect.
Most of our tests can be done while your child is fully awake. They will need to hold completely still to get clear images of their heart.
If your child is not able to stay still, our
cardiac anesthesiology
team can help. They’ll provide just enough sedation to get your child through their test safely and comfortably — no more, no less.
Before your child’s imaging appointment, a care coordinator will contact you with specific instructions.
Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiograms Without Sedation
These scans are completed at our hospital cardiac centers or outpatient imaging locations.
After checking in, your child will change into a hospital gown. A team member called a sonographer then conducts the test.
Echocardiograms can take 20 to 60 minutes.
If your child has an appointment with their cardiologist immediately following the study, results will be discussed during the appointment. Otherwise, results are sent directly to the doctor who ordered the test and are available through
Nemours Children's MyChart
Echocardiograms With Sedation
Echocardiograms with sedation are performed in our hospital heart center under a doctor’s supervision. Afterward, your child will stay for monitoring until they’re fully awake.
What to Expect: Echocardiograms
If your child needs a heart echo, it can help to know what to expect. Learn age-appropriate tips to help your child understand what’s happening and how to make the process a little easier.
Learn More from Nemours KidsHealth
Echocardiograms
Fetal Echocardiograms
MRIs & CT Scans
CT & MRI Imaging Without Sedation
Heart MRI and CT are performed at our hospital-based imaging department.
You’ll arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment.
We’ll take your child to a changing area where they’ll change into a hospital gown. They’ll be asked to remove any metal jewelry if receiving an MRI.
If contrast dye is needed, we’ll start an intravenous (IV) line so we can deliver it.
If your child is having an MRI, they can choose music or a movie to play during the test.
MRIs take around 90 minutes total, including changing time. CT scans are faster, usually taking around 30 to 60 minutes in total.
Imaging With Sedation
These tests follow a similar process as above, but you’ll come directly to our hospital heart center. You’ll arrive an hour ahead of your scheduled appointment and should plan on staying longer than for non-sedated tests. Your child will stay for monitoring in our recovery area as they wake up.
Getting Results
Test results are sent directly to your child’s referring physician and are available through Nemours Children's MyChart.
Learn More from Nemours KidsHealth
CT Scan: Chest
Getting an MRI