Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery

A nationally recognized heart transplant program

We are among the largest pediatric heart transplant programs in the U.S., and we typically perform 25-30 transplants each year. Our one-year and three-year survival rates for these children are among the highest in the country. In addition, we’re able to successfully perform transplants on children who might otherwise be turned down in centers with less experience with the most complex patients.

We’re proud to be home to one of the nation’s most comprehensive ventricular assist device (VAD) programs. These devices can support a child’s heart when it is too weak to pump enough blood to the body. The heart pumps are usually used to support children waiting for a heart transplant, although in some rare cases, the pump may permit a temporarily damaged heart to recover. We offer the entire range available of VADs for children – far more than any other hospital in our area. Because we offer so many options, we’ll be able to find the right device for your child.

A leader in innovation and research

We are constantly looking for ways to make care even better. One way we do this is through research, where we use clinical studies to investigate how new treatments and devices can improve care for children here and nationwide. This allows us to offer our patients the earliest access to the newest medications, devices and procedures.

We are also at the cutting edge of technology. For example, we can use 3D printing to create a model of complex hearts. Our surgeons use these models to understand the intricacies of a child’s heart before surgery. This helps surgery go as smoothly as possible, and can also minimize the amount of time a child spends under anesthesia.

A warm, welcoming environment with staff who treats you like family

Complex heart issues require lots of care over a long period of time. We know this can be a lot for families to manage, so we offer a variety of services, resources and programs to help you and your family:

• Patient family resources. For information on what to expect for each step of your child’s care, such as preparing for surgery, what to bring for your hospital stay, frequently asked questions and more.

• Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program. Children with heart conditions have a higher risk of developmental and learning concerns, and may experience social, emotional and behavioral challenges. Our cardiac neurodevelopmental team monitors your child’s development, creates personalized treatment plans, and supports your child from infancy through early adulthood.

• Safe at Home. This program teaches parents to care for infants with heart problems at home, while they await their next surgery. No other hospital in North Texas offers a program like this.

• Child Life specialists. A Child Life specialist can help you and your family understand your child’s condition, prepare for surgery and cope with being at the hospital for an extended time period. These professionals focus on the perspective of your child, tailoring our care so that it is appropriate for their age and development.

• A family-centered approach to care. We know that being close to your child is important. Every patient room has a bed for a family member. Family members also have access to a laundry facility, large waiting rooms and a dining lounge right next to the ICU. We view families as important members of the care team, and encourage active participation in rounds and care discussions. We can also connect your family to Mended Little Hearts, a support group for parents who understand what you’re going through.

• We listen to you. With a group of parent volunteers, we have created the Parent Advisory Council that provides valuable insights into the experience of being a parent of a child with a heart condition. Through this council, we are able to effectively address concerns and enhance the support to our families with their hospital experience.

• Annual picnic. Each year we invite our heart patients and their families to attend our annual picnic. It’s one small way our team shows our commitment to you and your family.

• Camp Moss. We created this annual week-long summer camp at the Camp John Marc facility in North Texas for children who have congenital heart disease and wouldn’t otherwise be able to have an overnight camp experience.