Working alongside your pediatrician, Banner Children’s pediatric cardiologists are trained to provide comprehensive and complete heart care for your child, from testing and diagnosis to treatment and recovery. Our team of kid-connected experts is often able to complete an evaluation and make a diagnosis that same day. We are always here to answer any questions you may have and provide you with the answers you need to make the best healthcare choices for your child.
We take special care of each child while providing heart imaging services to determine the proper diagnosis and best treatment approach for your child’s unique situation. At Banner Children’s, we understand the critical role imaging plays in your child's care. We have the best available imaging services from echocardiography (heart ultrasound), to cardiac CT and MRI scans and 3D printed heart models so we can make the most accurate diagnoses and treatment plans for your child's needs. Possible imaging services may include:
Echocardiography (heart ultrasound) is the standard way to take pictures of the heart. It uses sound waves to take a detailed picture that shows your child’s heart structure and how it beats and pumps blood. While this type of imaging test is painless, our caring staff is here to comfort your child throughout the test. Banner Children’s pediatric echocardiography laboratory uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology, providing support to evaluate children's heart conditions.
Cardiac CT scans are non-invasive imaging tests that use x-rays to provide greater detail than an echocardiogram can. These types of scans view the heart from different angles to provide a comprehensive and complete image. They are typically used to determine to better examine complex heart and blood vessel defects and are often extremely helpful when planning a cardiac catheterization procedure or open heart surgery. These are typically performed with the assistance from our pediatric cardiac anesthesia team to ensure that your child is comfortable throughout the procedure.
An MRI is a non-invasive imaging test that uses magnets instead of X-rays to provide additional information about the heart structure and function. They can provide information about the heart function in addition to the structures that are shown with a cardiac CT scan. Your pediatric cardiologist may use this test to get a better understanding of the structure of your child’s heart as well as how it is functioning. MRIs are radiation-free so you can be assured that your child is safe during this testing. Your child will lie on a table that slides into the MRI scanner. While this test is painless, the MRI scanner does make loud noises as the magnets create the image. These are typically performed with the assistance from our pediatric cardiac anesthesia team to ensure that your child is comfortable throughout the procedure.
Pediatric cardiologists may use 3D printing technology to aid in the diagnostic process. 3D model printing technology allows your child and family members to hold a physical model of your child’s heart to better understand the condition. The model is created from a CT or MRI scan of your child’s heart and is helpful in educating family members about the current condition of the heart, as well as helping the congenital cardiac team determine the best treatment approach.
Cardiac catheterization procedures allow your child's pediatric cardiologist to measure pressure and blood flows within the heart in the most accurate way possible. These are often performed when the echocardiogram findings are inconclusive, to test the response to different medications that your child may need to treat their heart condition or to ensure that they are safe for an upcoming open heart surgery. These procedures are performed at the hospital with the assistance from our pediatric cardiac anesthesia team to ensure that your child is comfortable throughout the procedure.
Electrophysiology, also known as EP, focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats) in children. An electrophysiology study is a procedure that allows your child's pediatric cardiologist to study the abnormal heartbeat to determine the best treatment option. Depending on the condition, the pediatric cardiologist may recommend medications or even be able to treat the tissue causing the irregular heartbeat during the study. These procedures are performed at the hospital with the assistance from our pediatric cardiac anesthesia team to ensure that your child is comfortable throughout the procedure.
From prenatal care, birth and infancy, through childhood and adolescence and through adulthood, Banner Children’s fetal, pediatric and adult congenital cardiologists are here to share in and support your child through some of life’s most important times. As your child grows, Banner Health’s family of health care specialists is here to provide a comprehensive continuum of care throughout their life.
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