Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery

Superior outcomes for newborns and infants

We carefully track our outcomes and compare them to national benchmarks. These numbers consistently place us among the nation’s top programs. More importantly, they mean that our patients experience the best possible results and have the best chance for a long, fulfilling life.

For example, our outcomes are better than the national average for very complex procedures, including:

• Nearly 100% of the newborns undergoing the Norwood procedure at Children's Health℠ in 2020 and 2021 survived. The national average for this complex surgery is about 85%.

• 100% of the newborns undergoing complex procedures, including arterial switch operations, repairs of truncus arteriosus, tetralogy of Fallot and atrioventricular septal defects survived – which is better than national benchmarks.

These outcomes are publicly reported and regularly compared to national benchmarks through the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) database, one of the most rigorous outcomes registries in cardiac surgery. Families researching programs can use STS data to compare surgical outcomes across centers — and our results consistently place us among the nation's top performers.

A nationally recognized heart transplant program

We're one of the largest pediatric heart transplant programs in the country, performing approximately 25 to 30 transplants each year, making us the highest-volume programs in Texas and nationally. Our one- and three-year survival rates are among the best in the nation, and our team has extensive experience caring for even the most complex cases, including children who may have been turned away at other hospitals. That’s why we’re often able to help children who might be turned away at other hospitals.

We’re also home to one of the most complete ventricular assist device (VAD) programs in the U.S. These devices help a child’s heart pump blood when it’s too weak to do so on its own. Most often, a VAD supports children while they wait for a heart transplant. In some cases, a VAD can even help the heart recover enough to work on its own. We offer the widest range of VAD options for children in our region. That means we can find the device that’s the best fit for your child’s needs.

A leader in innovation and research

We’re always looking for new ways to make heart care for kids even better. Through research studies, we explore how new treatments and devices can improve care for children here and across the country. Because we’re involved in this research, our patients often get early access to the newest medications, devices and procedures.

We’re also leading the way with advanced technology. For example, our team can use 3D printing to create a detailed model of a child’s heart. These models help surgeons see the heart’s structure before surgery and plan every step with precision. That extra preparation helps surgery go more smoothly. It can also shorten the time your child spends under anesthesia (medicine that helps them sleep during surgery).

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

Complex heart issues require lots of care over a long time. We know that the treatment journey can be a lot for families to manage. That’s why we offer a variety of services, resources and programs to support you and your family. These include:

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

• 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. You and your family are important members of the care team, and we encourage you to take an active part 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.

• A care team who listens to you: With a group of parent volunteers, we’ve created the Parent Advisory Council. This group provides valuable insights into the experience of parents of a child with a heart condition. Through this council, we address concerns and enhance support for our families.