The Penn State Health Children’s Hospital approach to congenital and pediatric heart surgery

At Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, our pediatric cardiac surgeons provide expert care for children and their families with the support of the most comprehensive children’s hospital between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. We are dedicated to helping your child live an active life and, whenever possible, explore ways to treat their heart condition without surgery. If surgery is needed, our experienced team will make sure you feel confident and supported every step of the way.

The same surgical team provides comprehensive care for all congenital heart patients, from our youngest pediatric patients to adolescents transitioning to our adult congenital heart program, as well as adults who require congenital heart surgery.

Right-sized team approach

Our highly skilled surgeons deliver exceptional care to infants, children and adults using the latest evidence-based medicine and technology. The same team of dedicated specialists leads your child’s care from admission through discharge, providing personalized attention 24/7. This “right-sized” approach ensures the highest level of care and the best outcomes for our patients.

Why choose Penn State Health Children’s Hospital for congenital and pediatric heart surgery

Families from across the region come to us for unmatched care and services for their children with congenital heart defects and other heart conditions. Our cardiac surgeons offer advanced surgical options tailored to each child's unique needs, supported by an advanced radiology and imaging center that specializes in diagnosing the full spectrum of heart diseases.

Our surgeons also collaborate with a dedicated team of local specialists, including cardiologists, critical care physicians, anesthesiologists and neonatologists, ensuring immediate and comprehensive care for our patients.

In our state-of-the-art hybrid operating room, equipped with advanced imaging and surgical tools, surgeons and cardiologists work side by side, enabling real-time decision-making and enhanced precision. By integrating minimally invasive techniques with traditional methods, we reduce recovery times, lower the risk of complications and significantly improve our young patients’ quality of life.

In the most complex cases, our patients achieve outcomes that exceed the national average, as reported in recent data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. These outcomes are enhanced by follow-up visits with expert cardiologists at multiple locations.

Partners in your child’s care

We believe in the power of teamwork, especially with parents and caregivers, for children’s healing. Our family-centered approach is built on clear and timely communication, especially during what can be a challenging and scary time. Understanding that you know your child best, we value your input. With your partnership, we will provide the best possible care to both your child and your family.

Support for your child and family

At Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, our Child Life specialists work closely with each child to help them prepare for surgery. They accompany your child before, during and after surgery and provide coping strategies, such as distraction, guided imagery and deep breathing.

Comprehensive care into adulthood

Families across the region trust us for unmatched pediatric heart care and treatment of congenital heart defects. Our team of experts listens to your goals for your child and creates an individualized treatment and rehabilitation plan tailored to your child’s needs from birth through adulthood. This includes a seamless transition to our adult congenital heart team, helping your child enjoy a healthy, active life. 

Innovative research and clinical trials

Because Penn State Health Children’s Hospital is part of an academic medical center, your child has early access to the latest treatments and clinical trials. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine work closely together to bring innovative research directly to bedside care.

Find out if a clinical trial is right for you.

Related Services and Treatments

• Cardiology (Pediatric)
• Adult Congenital Heart Disease
• Children's Heart Group
• Complex Care (Pediatric)
• Pediatric Surgery

Conditions Treated

Penn State Health Children’s Hospital provides care for a full-range of congenital heart defects, including:

• Anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery
• Anomalous left coronary artery
• Aortic stenosis
• Aortopulmonary window
• Atrioventricular canal defect
• Atrial septal defect (ASD)
• Coartation of the aorta
• Congenital heart disease
• Coronary artery fistula
• Cortriatriatum
• Cyanotic congenital heart disease
• Double inlet left ventricle
• Ebstein's anomaly
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
• Kawasaki disease
• Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction
• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation
• Pulmonary artesia
• Pulmonary valvotomy
• Pulmonic stenosis
• Total anomalous pulmonary venous return
• Transposition of the Great Arteries
• Tricuspid artesia repair
• Tricuspid regurgitation
• Ventricular septal defect (VSD)

Our Experts in pediatric congenital heart care

The experts at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital are committed to providing our pediatric patients with comprehensive and multidisciplinary care.

Support Groups

Support groups provide children and their families an opportunity to connect with others in similar situations. Learn more about the support groups offered at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.

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