Pediatric Cardiology Program Programs & Services

Advanced imaging is important to gain a better view of heart structures to make an accurate diagnosis and if needed, to plan for surgery.  

Our child-friendly MRI and CT machines feature virtual reality software, so that kids can watch videos or play music throughout the tests. This is a great way to make the experience more relaxing for children and to avoid the need for anesthesia in many cases. 

Our team also developed a “feed and swaddle” protocol to make getting images of a baby’s heart easier on the child and family. This allows us to take images needed for babies in the neonatal unit while they’re being fed and gently wrapped in blankets. 

Because the anatomy of a child’s heart is different than an adult’s, understanding pediatric imaging requires special training. All our technicians have received advanced training in evaluating children’s MRI and CT images to aid in diagnosing heart disease and other conditions. 

Your child’s cardiologist will be present throughout the imaging tests, using their understanding of your child’s condition to ensure we gather the best images to advance your child’s care.

We also have a network of cardiac specialists with a depth of experience interpreting imaging and providing diagnoses and care plans for complex cases. 

Congenital heart defects can often be diagnosed before birth after 16 to 18 weeks of pregnancy. Our cardiologists specialize in identifying these issues and working with families to discuss and coordinate a plan of care.

Not all cardiac defects will be recognized prior to birth and not all defects that are identified will need special care immediately once the baby is born. When we detect a heart problem that requires special attention, care, and possibly surgery, our entire care team, (cardiologist, surgeon, neonatologist, and obstetrician) is ready to provide the best and most appropriate care.

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure where small tubes (catheters) are inserted into veins and/or arteries in the arm and advanced to the heart to measure pressures within the heart, take blood samples, and inject special material to take pictures of the heart structures. This helps us identify issues such as blockages in the heart.

If we identify a problem before or during the procedure, we may be able to address it at that time. Intervening in these issues is called interventional cardiology or catheterization. During this procedure, we can use different techniques to open narrowed heart valves or blood vessels. In addition, we can sometimes replace heart valves to avoid the need for open heart surgery.

BCHP cardiologists work closely with the pediatric cardiac surgeons at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Our physicians assess patients prior to surgery and follow them closely through their hospitalization if surgery is required. The cardiology and surgical teams believe in having an open dialogue with families and age-appropriate discussions with young patients to help them prepare for surgery and plan care after they return home. 

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time. Taking the right, swift actions can save lives. Most people are aware that sudden cardiac arrest can occur during sporing events. It can also happen when someone is under high stress, excited, or dehydrated. Some people may have symptoms such as fainting, almost fainting, or chest pains, but others have no symptoms prior to cardiac arrest. Some children are at higher risk if they have certain conditions that may not be caught during a regular physical. This is why screening is important for all children.

To address this issue, BCHP created a simplified checklist that pediatricians can use to screen children and refer them to a BCHP cardiologist if needed.

BCHP heart specialists also participate in Project ADAM, a nationwide program that educates local schools, athletic centers, summer camps, churches, and other community organizations about sudden cardiac arrest. As the Project Adam affiliate in New York, BCHP physicians volunteer their time to:

• Raise awareness about heart disease
• Provide screening for all children
• Teach communities how to recognize sudden cardiac arrest, give CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED)