Having a child with a heart condition can bring a lot of unknowns, including what type of treatment they may need. With modern advances in care, many children who have congenital heart conditions can be treated without open-heart surgery using a minimally invasive procedure called cardiac catheterization.
The interventional cardiology team at the Patel Children’s Heart Institute is a regional leader in this approach, and is a source of compassion and support for families. Located within BayCare St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, our congenital heart program is among the busiest in the region. Every day, we help children live more full, active lives.
Our interventional cardiologists are at the forefront of innovation, pioneering new technologies and training doctors from other hospitals in their use. We're often among the first in the region to adopt the latest devices and techniques. Through active participation in clinical trials, your child may also have access to promising new treatments before they become widely available.
Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure for diagnosing and treating certain heart conditions. During the procedure, a fellowship-trained pediatric interventional cardiologist inserts a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or neck, and carefully guides it to your child's heart.
Once the catheter is in place, the care team can take detailed images and measurements to check heart function. This information allows us to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment. In many cases, we can perform treatment during the same procedure.
Because cardiac catheterization is less invasive than open-heart surgery, it's often associated with:
We use cardiac catheterization to treat congenital heart conditions in children of all ages, including procedures to:
BayCare St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital features a state-of-the-art pediatric cardiac catheterization lab. This unique space combines a fully equipped operating room with advanced catheterization technology specifically designed for children. It also includes high-resolution imaging that helps guide instruments with precision. When needed, our team can perform advanced hybrid procedures using both surgery and catheter-based treatment in the same setting.
We bring together a group of experts around your child, including pediatric interventional cardiologists, anesthesiologists, advanced practice providers and nurses. The team specializes in congenital heart conditions and understands the stress families feel. At every step of care, they're by your side to help you feel comfortable and supported.
Our interventional cardiologists work with pediatric cardiologists, fetal cardiologists, heart surgeons and intensive care doctors to coordinate your child’s complete care. We help develop a treatment plan that'll be most effective now and in the future.
Before the procedure, we'll explain it and what to expect so your child and family feel prepared. If your child is old enough, we encourage you to talk with them about the procedure in an age-appropriate way. Our Child Life Specialists can give you advice about how and when to have this conversation. They can also help your child and family prepare for the procedure and cope with any challenges that arise along the way.
Your care team will provide instructions on what to bring to the hospital, along with guidelines for eating, drinking and taking medications before the procedure.
In the cardiac catheterization lab, your child receives medication to help them sleep throughout the procedure. As a parent, you're always included in decisions about anesthesia and have an opportunity to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Once your child is asleep, the doctor inserts the catheter into a blood vessel and guides it to the heart. After the procedure, the doctor carefully removes the catheter and bandages the site.
Your child may go home a few hours after surgery or stay overnight for observation. We’ll let you know ahead of time so you can be prepared. Before discharge, we'll give you clear instructions for home care, resuming activities and follow-up appointments.
Your child will require long-term follow-up care with a pediatric cardiologist for ongoing monitoring. Some children may need additional procedures, depending on their condition and the type of intervention. We always collaborate with you to plan treatment with your child’s future in mind.
As your child approaches adulthood, we coordinate a smooth transition to a cardiologist on our team who specializes in adult congenital heart disease. Because our interventional cardiologists also care for adults, they remain involved in your child’s care.
We know how crucial support is for your child’s and family’s well-being, and we offer a range of services:
Before the procedure, we'll explain it and what to expect so your child and family feel prepared. If your child is old enough, we encourage you to talk with them about the procedure in an age-appropriate way. Our Child Life Specialists can give you advice about how and when to have this conversation. They can also help your child and family prepare for the procedure and cope with any challenges that arise along the way.
Your care team will provide instructions on what to bring to the hospital, along with guidelines for eating, drinking and taking medications before the procedure.
In the cardiac catheterization lab, your child receives medication to help them sleep throughout the procedure. As a parent, you're always included in decisions about anesthesia and have an opportunity to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Once your child is asleep, the doctor inserts the catheter into a blood vessel and guides it to the heart. After the procedure, the doctor carefully removes the catheter and bandages the site.
Your child may go home a few hours after surgery or stay overnight for observation. We’ll let you know ahead of time so you can be prepared. Before discharge, we'll give you clear instructions for home care, resuming activities and follow-up appointments.
Your child will require long-term follow-up care with a pediatric cardiologist for ongoing monitoring. Some children may need additional procedures, depending on their condition and the type of intervention. We always collaborate with you to plan treatment with your child’s future in mind.
As your child approaches adulthood, we coordinate a smooth transition to a cardiologist on our team who specializes in adult congenital heart disease. Because our interventional cardiologists also care for adults, they remain involved in your child’s care.
We know how crucial support is for your child’s and family’s well-being, and we offer a range of services:
When it comes to introducing innovative devices, our interventional cardiology program has led the way in West Central Florida and beyond. Through our successful adoption of new technologies, we’ve been able to expand minimally invasive options to thousands of children.
Our groundbreaking achievements include being the first to implant:
For more information about our pediatric heart services or to make an appointment with one of our specialists, call the Kids Heart Hotline at (813) 644-6679 or complete the form to connect with a nurse navigator.
