Thanks to advances in minimally invasive treatment options, and Banner Children’s partnership with the University of Arizona Medical and Research center, our cardiology experts offer alternatives to surgery whenever possible to help reduce the impact on a child’s developing body. While we always consider minimally invasive treatment options first, there may come a time when your child requires surgery. Rest assured, we're here to provide your child with the best specialized care for their condition.
Cardiac catheter interventions are outpatient procedures that use specialized catheters (small tubes) that go through the arteries and veins (typically in the groin) and allow interventional cardiologists to perform minimally invasive treatments in order to avoid heart surgeries. These procedures can involve closing holes within the heart, opening blocked heart valves or blood vessels and even implanting new heart valves (pulmonary or tricuspid valve) without the need for open heart surgery! We have performed these procedures on babies as small as 2 pounds (1 kilogram) and adults over 80 years old.
Ablations are performed to treat cardiac dysrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm) from a minimally invasive catheter approach. This is an outpatient procedure where catheters (small tubes) are inserted into the veins, and sometimes artery, usually entering in the groin. These specialized catheters measure the electrical patterns in the heart and can identify and treat abnormal areas by transmitting hot or cold energy through the catheter to scar these small areas of heart tissue that cause abnormal heartbeats. This procedure can be repeated if a heart arrhythmia returns. If the heart arrhythmia returns a pacemaker may be placed in the chest to help control the heart rhythm. Talk to your pediatric cardiologist and cardiac surgeon to discuss the best route of care for your child.
If your child needs surgery, our multidisciplinary team of experts, including congenital cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, cardiac anesthesiologists and ICU physicians and staff, will work together to make sure your child is as comfortable as possible before, during and after surgery. If appropriate, your pediatric cardiologist will discuss the need for and timing of surgery for your child and their cardiac condition. Our compassionate team is prepared to care for your child and your family during this time. Learn more about pediatric cardiac surgery options.
The high-risk infant monitoring program allows our team to stay connected to high-risk infants and their family after they leave the hospital. You and your baby will be sent home with a scale and pulse oximeter, as indicated for monitoring, and keep in close contact with our team to ensure that your baby is thriving.
At Banner Children’s, we are here to support you during some of life’s most important times and share our cardiology knowledge, expertise and compassion. One of the best parts of our job is instilling confidence in parents and caregivers so they know they’re doing a great job. Lean on us for support and to answer any questions you may have.
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