Pediatric Heart Surgery | Nemours Children's Health
Source: https://www.nemours.org/services/pediatric-heart-surgery.html
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:39
Pediatric Heart Surgery | Nemours Children's Health
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Contact Us
Cardiothoracic Surgery
For Appointments
Cardiothoracic Surgery
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
Contact Us
Cardiothoracic Surgery
(800) 416-4441
Second Opinions
Contact Us
Cardiothoracic Surgery
For Appointments & Second Opinions
Cardiothoracic Surgery
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
About Us
Our Care
Your Visit
Excellence in Heart Surgery, Ranked Among the Very Best in the Nation
Nemours Children’s pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons perform the most complex heart, airway and chest surgeries for the full range of heart and blood vessel conditions. We expertly perform advanced procedures on the tiniest newborns and children through young adulthood with excellent survival outcomes.
Our team, part of renowned pediatric heart centers in
Delaware
and
Florida
, is highly skilled and recognized worldwide for expertise and innovation. In fact, we’re named among the very best for pediatric heart care by
U.S. News & World Report
,
with our
Delaware location ranked #8 in the nation.
We’re developing life-saving surgeries and researching new treatment methods. Our outcomes, or success rates, are among the best in the nation, which means we give more children the chance to live their very best lives.
Families choose Nemours for excellence in
surgery for kids with rare genetic syndromes
and surgical repair for complex heart conditions, including
single ventricle defects
,
airway disorders
and more. They stay with us for complete, team-based care and our focus on supporting every aspect of achieving family wellness.
Find Cardiac Surgical Care at Nemours
We have many pediatric heart surgeons and locations — find the care closest to you:
Find a Doctor
Find a Location
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
Team-Based Heart Expertise for Newborns and Kids of All Ages
Our heart surgeons work closely with experts in pediatric cardiac anesthesiology, cardiac critical care and cardiology to a provide the safest, most effective care before, during and after surgery.
450+
Heart surgeries each year at Nemours
8
Pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons systemwide
2
Nationally known heart centers, in Delaware and Florida
We
report our outcome data to a national database and compare
our outcomes
against national averages.
Nemours
surgeons are innovators of lifesaving procedures, and pioneers
in cardiothoracic surgery.
We’re
researching new and better ways to perform surgery and protect children’s health
as they grow up.
Our team
cares for your child physically and emotionally with and psychological support
specific to kids with heart conditions.
Team-Based Heart Expertise for Newborns and Kids of All Ages
Our heart surgeons work closely with experts in pediatric cardiac anesthesiology, cardiac critical care and cardiology to provide the safest, most effective care before, during and after surgery.
450+
Heart surgeries each year at Nemours
6
Pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons systemwide
2
Nationally known heart centers, in Delaware and Florida
Our
surgical outcomes
are among the best in the nation, with 100% survival rates
for many complex procedures.
As the
first in Delaware to perform a pediatric heart transplant (2005) and innovators of lifesaving procedures, we’re pioneers
in cardiothoracic surgery.
In Delaware we provide
congenital heart surgery for adults up to age 40.
We’re
researching
new and better ways to perform surgery and protect children’s health
as they grow up.
We're here
after surgery to reduce the risk for complications
and support neurodevelopment.
Our Chief
Peter Wearden, MD, PhD is the chief of cardiothoracic surgery and co-director of the Nemours Cardiac Center, Florida. See how we deliver state-of-the-art heart care just for kids, every single day.
“We would put our trust in Dr. Pizarro all over again.”
Read Vea’s Story
“Our pediatrician told us Lucy needed to be in the very best place anywhere for treating heart problems — and this is it.”
Read Lucy’s Story
“We are grateful that this skilled team produced such a great outcome for Capucine. Her incision has healed beautifully, and she is developing quite normally.”
Read Capucine’s Story
Vea
Lucy
Capucine
Programs & Services
At Nemours, we go beyond medicine, with special programs that protect and nurture a child’s health and development after surgery. We also offer services and support you can’t get everywhere.
Our heart surgeons use innovative methods and collaboration, often performing combined procedures with our
interventional cardiology
team. In Delaware, we offer surgery for
adults with congenital heart disease
. We provide:
We use the latest surgical approaches, including:
Minimally invasive heart technologies
that can make surgery easier on the body and result in a faster recovery
Hybrid, or combined procedures
that involve catheters (small, thin tubes) inserted into the heart through blood vessels to make repairs, which may need smaller cuts, and can mean an easier recovery and fewer surgeries
Advanced
cardiac imaging
, such as heart MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT scans and echocardiography for highly accurate diagnostics and surgical precision
3D printing and modelling technologies
to create detailed models of the heart and blood vessels for surgical planning and to provide education to families
We perform the full range of procedures, with recognized expertise in pediatric:
Airway (tracheal) surgery
, including a complex tracheal reconstruction surgery developed by one our very own surgeons
Interventional catheter-based heart procedures
using thin tubes inserted through blood vessels to detect problems and make repairs, like closing holes and replacing heart valves
Newborn heart surgery
, including complex procedures on babies just days old with survival rates among the best
Mechanical circulatory support
with ventricular assist devices (in Delaware) that help the heart work like it should, for short- and long-term or as a bridge to transplant
Single ventricle defect surgery
using the latest approaches that reduce the risk of complications and improve recovery
Valve surgery
to repair or replace narrowed or leaky heart valves, including hybrid procedures that use catheters, or thin tubes for parts of the surgery
Heart transplant
available at our heart center in the Delaware Valley
Nemours offers services and support for your child, and the whole family:
Enhanced recovery
programs
that may begin even before surgery to ensure the best possible outcomes
Highly advanced
cardiac critical care
from skilled intensivists and advance practice providers and nurses
Inpatient heart care
just for kids and young adults with heart conditions
Cardiac rehabilitation
after surgery
, with physical, occupational and speech therapies, cardiac psychology services and nutrition counseling to gain strength and restore function
Cardiac neurodevelopmental program
to help your child grow to their highest ability
Cardiac psychology
services to build strength and family resilience
Care and
support at every step
, including social work and Child Life services, creative therapies, pet therapy, pastoral care and more
Cardiac 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.
Acquired Heart Disease
Anomalous Coronary Artery
Aortic Disease
Aortopulmonary Window
Arrhythmia
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
Atrioventricular Canal Defect
Cardiomyopathy
Congenital Heart Defects
Congenital Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm
Cor Triatriatum
Down Syndrome
Heart Failure
Heterotaxy Syndrome
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
Levo-Transposition of the Great Arteries
Myocarditis
Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Pulmonary Artery Sling
Pulmonary Atresia - Intact Ventricular Septum
Pulmonary Stenosis
Pulmonary Valve Regurgitation
Skeletal Dysplasia
Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return
Tricuspid Atresia
Truncus Arteriosus
Unroofed Coronary Sinus Syndrome
Vascular Ring Anomaly and Vascular Sling
Related Specialties
Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program
Advanced Delivery Unit
Advanced Life Support
Airway Tracheal Surgery
Cardiac (Heart) Imaging
Cardiac Anesthesiology
Cardiac Critical Care
Cardiac Exercise Program
Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program
Cardiac Neuromuscular Disorder Program
Cardiac Neuromuscular Disorders
Cardiac Psychology
Cardiac Rehabilitation & Fitness
Cardiac Rehabilitation & Fitness
Cardiac Second Opinions
Cardio Oncology
Cardiology
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Cardiovascular Genetics
Catheterization/Interventional Cardiology
Coronary Anomalies Program
Coronary Anomalies Program
Dysautonomia (Autonomic Dysfunction)
Electrophysiology & Arrhythmia Program
Endocrinology
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program
Feeding and Swallowing Therapy
Fetal Heart Program
Fetal Medicine
Gastroenterology
Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy Program
Heart Transplant Program
Inpatient Heart Care
Lymphatics Disease Program
Mechanical Circulatory Support
Neonatology
Nephrology
Newborn Heart Surgery
Nutrition
Orthopedics
Pacemakers Defibrillators Implanted Devices
Preventive Cardiology
Pulmonary Hypertension Program
Pulmonology
Rehabilitation Medicine
Single Ventricle Program
Sleep Medicine
Surgery for Rare Heart-Related Genetic Syndromes
Valve Surgery
Weight Management
Williams Syndrome Program
Empowering You to Care for Your Child at Home
The Nemours inpatient heart care team helps you prepare for and manage your child’s care at home. We make sure you have everything you need, including training on devices, equipment and medicines before you leave.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
What Happens Before, During and After Surgery
Heart or chest surgery can be routine, or extremely complex. We’ll guide you through your child’s unique situation. Generally, you can expect:
Before surgery, your child will have pre-surgical testing. You’ll meet the surgeon to talk about the procedure, how it’s performed and what to expect.
On the day of surgery, you’ll arrive a few hours before the procedure.
You’ll meet with a
cardiac anesthesiology
expert who will ask questions and go over what they do during surgery. You’ll also meet our Child Life specialists and other supportive team members.
Your child will have an IV (intravenous) line inserted for medicine and fluid delivery.
Right before the procedure, we’ll transfer your child to the operating room. You’re invited to stay with your child up until the start of the procedure.
In addition to the cardiothoracic surgeon and cardiac anesthesiologists, a team of doctors and nurses assist during surgery. We closely monitor your child’s blood pressure, heart rhythm, oxygen levels and other key body functions.
During the procedure, you’ll wait in a special cardiac center waiting room. A nurse will keep you updated at regular times. Typically, every hour or so.
The length of surgery depends on the procedure, but it can take several hours.
After surgery, your child will recover in the
cardiac intensive care unit (CICU)
. You’ll see them briefly and will be asked to give us about an hour to get them settled.
Depending on your child’s age, type of surgery and condition, they could be in the CICU a few days to a week. From here, your child will go to our special
cardiac inpatient unit
until discharge.
Before going home, your child may have
cardiac rehabilitation
which can include physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy,
cardiac neurodevelopmental therapy
and more.
We tell you everything you need to know about caring for your child at home. We’ll train you on devices, medicines, wound care and more.
After discharge, you’ll see your child’s pediatric
cardiology
specialist who will manage recovery and schedule follow-up tests and visits.
Preparing for Your Child’s Surgery
We want you to feel prepared for your child’s surgery, and what happens after. Learn about what happens during surgery, conditions, procedures and recovery from the experts at Nemours KidsHealth
®
.
Getting Ready for Surgery
If your child needs surgery, it can help to know what to expect.
Learn age-appropriate tips
to help your child understand what’s happening and how to make surgery a little easier.
Read More About
Children with heart and blood vessel conditions may need surgery, one or more, as newborns or throughout their lives. Find information about certain heart conditions and the course of care:
Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Stenosis
Atrioventricular Canal Defect
Congestive Heart Failure
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
Levo-Transposition of the Great Arteries
Single Ventricle Defects
Cardiothoracic surgery can repair structural problems in the heart, improve blood flow and help the lungs and heart work better. There are many different surgeries, methods and approaches. Find more information about:
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
Fontan Procedure
Glenn Procedure
Heart Transplant
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Norwood Procedure
Ventricular Assist Device
Learn everything about the heart, from how it works to what can go wrong and how to keep it healthy. Read about tests, treatments and much more. We also offer family-friendly, heart healthy tips for eating right and getting physical activity.
Read More
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Contact Us
Cardiothoracic Surgery
For Appointments
Cardiothoracic Surgery
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
Contact Us
Cardiothoracic Surgery
(800) 416-4441
Second Opinions
Contact Us
Cardiothoracic Surgery
For Appointments & Second Opinions
Cardiothoracic Surgery
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
About Us
Our Care
Your Visit
Excellence in Heart Surgery, Ranked Among the Very Best in the Nation
Nemours Children’s pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons perform the most complex heart, airway and chest surgeries for the full range of heart and blood vessel conditions. We expertly perform advanced procedures on the tiniest newborns and children through young adulthood with excellent survival outcomes.
Our team, part of renowned pediatric heart centers in
Delaware
and
Florida
, is highly skilled and recognized worldwide for expertise and innovation. In fact, we’re named among the very best for pediatric heart care by
U.S. News & World Report
,
with our
Delaware location ranked #8 in the nation.
We’re developing life-saving surgeries and researching new treatment methods. Our outcomes, or success rates, are among the best in the nation, which means we give more children the chance to live their very best lives.
Families choose Nemours for excellence in
surgery for kids with rare genetic syndromes
and surgical repair for complex heart conditions, including
single ventricle defects
,
airway disorders
and more. They stay with us for complete, team-based care and our focus on supporting every aspect of achieving family wellness.
Find Cardiac Surgical Care at Nemours
We have many pediatric heart surgeons and locations — find the care closest to you:
Find a Doctor
Find a Location
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
Team-Based Heart Expertise for Newborns and Kids of All Ages
Our heart surgeons work closely with experts in pediatric cardiac anesthesiology, cardiac critical care and cardiology to a provide the safest, most effective care before, during and after surgery.
450+
Heart surgeries each year at Nemours
8
Pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons systemwide
2
Nationally known heart centers, in Delaware and Florida
We
report our outcome data to a national database and compare
our outcomes
against national averages.
Nemours
surgeons are innovators of lifesaving procedures, and pioneers
in cardiothoracic surgery.
We’re
researching new and better ways to perform surgery and protect children’s health
as they grow up.
Our team
cares for your child physically and emotionally with and psychological support
specific to kids with heart conditions.
Team-Based Heart Expertise for Newborns and Kids of All Ages
Our heart surgeons work closely with experts in pediatric cardiac anesthesiology, cardiac critical care and cardiology to provide the safest, most effective care before, during and after surgery.
450+
Heart surgeries each year at Nemours
6
Pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons systemwide
2
Nationally known heart centers, in Delaware and Florida
Our
surgical outcomes
are among the best in the nation, with 100% survival rates
for many complex procedures.
As the
first in Delaware to perform a pediatric heart transplant (2005) and innovators of lifesaving procedures, we’re pioneers
in cardiothoracic surgery.
In Delaware we provide
congenital heart surgery for adults up to age 40.
We’re
researching
new and better ways to perform surgery and protect children’s health
as they grow up.
We're here
after surgery to reduce the risk for complications
and support neurodevelopment.
Our Chief
Peter Wearden, MD, PhD is the chief of cardiothoracic surgery and co-director of the Nemours Cardiac Center, Florida. See how we deliver state-of-the-art heart care just for kids, every single day.
“We would put our trust in Dr. Pizarro all over again.”
Read Vea’s Story
“Our pediatrician told us Lucy needed to be in the very best place anywhere for treating heart problems — and this is it.”
Read Lucy’s Story
“We are grateful that this skilled team produced such a great outcome for Capucine. Her incision has healed beautifully, and she is developing quite normally.”
Read Capucine’s Story
Vea
Lucy
Capucine
Programs & Services
At Nemours, we go beyond medicine, with special programs that protect and nurture a child’s health and development after surgery. We also offer services and support you can’t get everywhere.
Our heart surgeons use innovative methods and collaboration, often performing combined procedures with our
interventional cardiology
team. In Delaware, we offer surgery for
adults with congenital heart disease
. We provide:
We use the latest surgical approaches, including:
Minimally invasive heart technologies
that can make surgery easier on the body and result in a faster recovery
Hybrid, or combined procedures
that involve catheters (small, thin tubes) inserted into the heart through blood vessels to make repairs, which may need smaller cuts, and can mean an easier recovery and fewer surgeries
Advanced
cardiac imaging
, such as heart MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT scans and echocardiography for highly accurate diagnostics and surgical precision
3D printing and modelling technologies
to create detailed models of the heart and blood vessels for surgical planning and to provide education to families
We perform the full range of procedures, with recognized expertise in pediatric:
Airway (tracheal) surgery
, including a complex tracheal reconstruction surgery developed by one our very own surgeons
Interventional catheter-based heart procedures
using thin tubes inserted through blood vessels to detect problems and make repairs, like closing holes and replacing heart valves
Newborn heart surgery
, including complex procedures on babies just days old with survival rates among the best
Mechanical circulatory support
with ventricular assist devices (in Delaware) that help the heart work like it should, for short- and long-term or as a bridge to transplant
Single ventricle defect surgery
using the latest approaches that reduce the risk of complications and improve recovery
Valve surgery
to repair or replace narrowed or leaky heart valves, including hybrid procedures that use catheters, or thin tubes for parts of the surgery
Heart transplant
available at our heart center in the Delaware Valley
Nemours offers services and support for your child, and the whole family:
Enhanced recovery
programs
that may begin even before surgery to ensure the best possible outcomes
Highly advanced
cardiac critical care
from skilled intensivists and advance practice providers and nurses
Inpatient heart care
just for kids and young adults with heart conditions
Cardiac rehabilitation
after surgery
, with physical, occupational and speech therapies, cardiac psychology services and nutrition counseling to gain strength and restore function
Cardiac neurodevelopmental program
to help your child grow to their highest ability
Cardiac psychology
services to build strength and family resilience
Care and
support at every step
, including social work and Child Life services, creative therapies, pet therapy, pastoral care and more
Cardiac 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.
Acquired Heart Disease
Anomalous Coronary Artery
Aortic Disease
Aortopulmonary Window
Arrhythmia
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
Atrioventricular Canal Defect
Cardiomyopathy
Congenital Heart Defects
Congenital Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm
Cor Triatriatum
Down Syndrome
Heart Failure
Heterotaxy Syndrome
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
Levo-Transposition of the Great Arteries
Myocarditis
Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Pulmonary Artery Sling
Pulmonary Atresia - Intact Ventricular Septum
Pulmonary Stenosis
Pulmonary Valve Regurgitation
Skeletal Dysplasia
Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return
Tricuspid Atresia
Truncus Arteriosus
Unroofed Coronary Sinus Syndrome
Vascular Ring Anomaly and Vascular Sling
Related Specialties
Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program
Advanced Delivery Unit
Advanced Life Support
Airway Tracheal Surgery
Cardiac (Heart) Imaging
Cardiac Anesthesiology
Cardiac Critical Care
Cardiac Exercise Program
Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program
Cardiac Neuromuscular Disorder Program
Cardiac Neuromuscular Disorders
Cardiac Psychology
Cardiac Rehabilitation & Fitness
Cardiac Rehabilitation & Fitness
Cardiac Second Opinions
Cardio Oncology
Cardiology
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Cardiovascular Genetics
Catheterization/Interventional Cardiology
Coronary Anomalies Program
Coronary Anomalies Program
Dysautonomia (Autonomic Dysfunction)
Electrophysiology & Arrhythmia Program
Endocrinology
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program
Feeding and Swallowing Therapy
Fetal Heart Program
Fetal Medicine
Gastroenterology
Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy Program
Heart Transplant Program
Inpatient Heart Care
Lymphatics Disease Program
Mechanical Circulatory Support
Neonatology
Nephrology
Newborn Heart Surgery
Nutrition
Orthopedics
Pacemakers Defibrillators Implanted Devices
Preventive Cardiology
Pulmonary Hypertension Program
Pulmonology
Rehabilitation Medicine
Single Ventricle Program
Sleep Medicine
Surgery for Rare Heart-Related Genetic Syndromes
Valve Surgery
Weight Management
Williams Syndrome Program
Empowering You to Care for Your Child at Home
The Nemours inpatient heart care team helps you prepare for and manage your child’s care at home. We make sure you have everything you need, including training on devices, equipment and medicines before you leave.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
What Happens Before, During and After Surgery
Heart or chest surgery can be routine, or extremely complex. We’ll guide you through your child’s unique situation. Generally, you can expect:
Before surgery, your child will have pre-surgical testing. You’ll meet the surgeon to talk about the procedure, how it’s performed and what to expect.
On the day of surgery, you’ll arrive a few hours before the procedure.
You’ll meet with a
cardiac anesthesiology
expert who will ask questions and go over what they do during surgery. You’ll also meet our Child Life specialists and other supportive team members.
Your child will have an IV (intravenous) line inserted for medicine and fluid delivery.
Right before the procedure, we’ll transfer your child to the operating room. You’re invited to stay with your child up until the start of the procedure.
In addition to the cardiothoracic surgeon and cardiac anesthesiologists, a team of doctors and nurses assist during surgery. We closely monitor your child’s blood pressure, heart rhythm, oxygen levels and other key body functions.
During the procedure, you’ll wait in a special cardiac center waiting room. A nurse will keep you updated at regular times. Typically, every hour or so.
The length of surgery depends on the procedure, but it can take several hours.
After surgery, your child will recover in the
cardiac intensive care unit (CICU)
. You’ll see them briefly and will be asked to give us about an hour to get them settled.
Depending on your child’s age, type of surgery and condition, they could be in the CICU a few days to a week. From here, your child will go to our special
cardiac inpatient unit
until discharge.
Before going home, your child may have
cardiac rehabilitation
which can include physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy,
cardiac neurodevelopmental therapy
and more.
We tell you everything you need to know about caring for your child at home. We’ll train you on devices, medicines, wound care and more.
After discharge, you’ll see your child’s pediatric
cardiology
specialist who will manage recovery and schedule follow-up tests and visits.
Preparing for Your Child’s Surgery
We want you to feel prepared for your child’s surgery, and what happens after. Learn about what happens during surgery, conditions, procedures and recovery from the experts at Nemours KidsHealth
®
.
Getting Ready for Surgery
If your child needs surgery, it can help to know what to expect.
Learn age-appropriate tips
to help your child understand what’s happening and how to make surgery a little easier.
Read More About
Children with heart and blood vessel conditions may need surgery, one or more, as newborns or throughout their lives. Find information about certain heart conditions and the course of care:
Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Stenosis
Atrioventricular Canal Defect
Congestive Heart Failure
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
Levo-Transposition of the Great Arteries
Single Ventricle Defects
Cardiothoracic surgery can repair structural problems in the heart, improve blood flow and help the lungs and heart work better. There are many different surgeries, methods and approaches. Find more information about:
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
Fontan Procedure
Glenn Procedure
Heart Transplant
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Norwood Procedure
Ventricular Assist Device
Learn everything about the heart, from how it works to what can go wrong and how to keep it healthy. Read about tests, treatments and much more. We also offer family-friendly, heart healthy tips for eating right and getting physical activity.
Read More