Research - Pediatric Cardiology

Research - Pediatric Cardiology

The Heart Center

We’re committed to achieving the best possible outcome for every child’s heart.

With nearly 36,000 outpatient encounters across our locations, 1,100+ inpatient admissions and over 500 cardiothoracic surgical procedures in 2022, The Heart Center at Children’s Health has some of the nation’s highest volumes – and some of its best outcomes.

From prenatal diagnosis to heart transplants to adult congenital care, we offer a full spectrum of multi-disciplinary cardiac care. Our advanced imaging and VAD capabilities along with our Safe at Home, Cardiac Neurodevelopmental and Pulmonary Hypertension programs are setting a new standard for other heart centers to follow.

Highlights

Groundbreaking pediatric cardio-oncology program transforming care
Pediatric cancer treatments can save lives – but they may also carry cardiac risks that could last a lifetime. The Pediatric Cardio-Oncology Program at Children’s Health is one of the first in the nation offering a dedicated clinic focused on protecting the heart health of children battling cancer or in remission. Our experts are leading the way in preventing and managing cardiotoxic side effects, ensuring that kids don’t just survive – they thrive.
Pioneering 3-region perfusion technique during Norwood improves survival rate
Children’s Health Heart Center is one of the few in the nation using a groundbreaking three-region perfusion technique during the Norwood procedure. This approach maintains continuous blood flow to vital organs, reduces surgical risks and speeds recovery times for children with congenital heart defects.
Cutting-edge 3D modeling predicts how a heart will function after surgery
Cardiologists and researchers at Children’s Health developed the next generation of 3D models, which predict how the heart will function after surgery. Discover how physiological models inform cardiac surgery and improve outcomes for children with heart defects.

Our Programs

Supporting Children’s Neurodevelopment After Cardiac Surgery

Children who have had cardiac surgery during infancy may experience cognitive and motor delays. Our Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program offers screening, evaluation and follow-up to support children’s development from infancy through young adulthood.

Resources

Complex Heart Valve Program Brochure (pdf)

Conferences and Events

Many of our conferences and events offer continuing education credits.

Latest News

Finally, An Implantable Valve That May Grow with the Patient

An innovative heart valve is designed to be replaced by a patient’s own tissue and prevent repeat surgeries after RVOT or the Ross procedure. Learn more. Read more >>

Three Ways Virtual Reality is Transforming Cardiovascular Medicine

Congenital heart defects vary by child – no two are alike. Put on a virtual reality headset, and those defects become larger than life, as physicians step into a 360 degree view of the heart, rotated around by the use of a controller. Thanks to medical innovations like these, physicians can use virtual reality to improve medical education, plan procedures and improve patient care. Read more >>

Superior Outcomes in Newborns and Infants.

In 2020 and 2021, our surgical team has had 100% survival among newborns undergoing the Norwood procedure, a complex treatment with a national survival rate under 85%. We also have 100% survival for other complex procedures, including arterial switch operations, repairs of truncus arteriosus, tetralogy of Fallot and atrioventricular septal defects. Read more >> (pdf)

Welcome Sarah Lisinski, Senior Director of the Heart Center

Sarah Lisinski, MSN, RN, NE-BC, joined The Heart Center’s leadership team in 2021 and brings to Children’s Health extensive experience building teams and improving and expanding programs in world-class pediatric academic medical centers. She previously served in leadership roles at UNC Children’s in Chapel Hill, NC, Seattle Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ.

Lynn Mahony, M.D., Receives Prestigious Founders Award from AAP

We are proud to be the home of the AAP Section on Cardiology & Cardiothoracic Surgery 2019 Founders Award winner, Lynn Mahony, M.D.. This award recognizes outstanding contributions in the field of pediatric cardiology and cardiovascular surgery. Dr. Mahony collaborates with other top-rated physicians nationwide to help improve the quality of life for congenital heart disease patients. She believes that it’s important to continue to learn more about these diseases, learn how to prevent them, learn better treatments and learn how to improve outcomes.

Watch Video

The Heart Center at Children’s Health℠ is pleased to announce it has acquired Pediatric Heart Specialists (PHS).

Also known as The Laird Group, this addition allows our Heart Center to expand pediatric heart care throughout Texas. PHS is officially a part of the Children’s Health Care Network, a collaborative network of health care providers with a shared vision of providing the best care for children. Find out more about PHS.

Podcasts

Pediatric Insights is a medical podcast that will explore the latest in pediatric care and research. Experts from Children’s Health will discuss advances and innovations as they encounter some of the most complex pediatric conditions.