Pediatric Cardiology
Pediatric Cardiology
When anything is wrong with your child, you want answers. When anything is wrong with your child’s heart, you want experts.
At Providence we are leaders in providing the most advanced treatment options for your child. When you visit our team, a cardiologist will work with you to determine a diagnosis and then develop the treatment plan that is best for your child. Some children may not require any intervention but will return for regular monitoring. Others may need to be treated with medication, a procedure or surgery.
If your child needs surgery of any type, we offer minimally-invasive and robotic surgeries that mean less pain, tiny incisions and faster recovery for your child.
The pediatric cardiology team offers a variety of advanced services in addition to regular monitoring.
Often referred to as a heart cath, cardiac catheterization is used for diagnosis and treatment of numerous heart issues. We pass small tubes, called catheters, through the chambers of the heart and vessels to measure pressure. This gives us valuable information on the condition of the heart and can determine if a surgical procedure is necessary.
Catheterizations can treat some heart conditions without surgery. Some of the procedures we offer include:
- Angioplasty
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) closure
- Catheter ablation
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Coil embolization of vessels
- Mitral valvuloplasty
- PFO closure
- PDA closure
- Valvuloplasty
An abnormal rhythm of the heart, called arrhythmia, causes the heart to pump less effectively. We can correct arrhythmias by using:
- Radiofrequency Ablation (cryoblation)
- Pacemakers
- Implanted cardioverter defibrillators
A congenital heart defect happens in roughly 8 to 10 of every 1,000 infants. The cause is usually unknown, but environmental or hereditary factors may play a factor.
There are many types of congenital heart defects, including abnormal blood flow through the heart or obstructed blood flow (stenosis), which can occur in the valves, arteries or veins.
Our team delivers personalized care for infants, children and adolescents with congenital heart defects. We have experience in traditional procedures and innovative techniques.
Our pediatric cardiologists use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose congenital heart defects, like fetal echocardiograms that can find an issue even before a baby is born. This early diagnosis allows cardiologists to monitor the baby's heart development and plan ahead for any necessary steps to correct a problem. Echocardiograms are also used to diagnose heart abnormalities in children and adolescents.
Just like adults, children need to know what to expect from a doctor's visit or hospital stay. These guidelines can help you prepare your child:
- Give honest and simple information they can understand
- Use neutral, unemotional language to describe tests and procedures
- Focus on what your child's experience will be like, not the technical details
- Reassure your child that the staff at the hospital are there to help them feel better
- Encourage your child to ask questions and talk about their concerns
Remember, you are not alone. You can count on our team to provide not only excellent medical care but emotional support and resources to help your whole family.