Since surgeon Willis J. Potts began operating on children with congenital heart defects in the 1940s, the Division of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgery, ranked 12th in the nation for heart and heart surgery, has been a leader in the research and treatment of congenital heart disease, heart failure and in pediatric heart transplantation.
Exceptional survival rates
In fact, our heart transplant program boasts exceptional first-year survival rates of more than 95% and patients have impressive longer-term recovery, with most experiencing no limitations to normal childhood activity just one year after surgery. With the national average for first-year survival rates at about 87%, this puts us in the top tier of all pediatric heart transplant centers. More here on pediatric heart transplantation »
Impressive technological advances
Tremendous technological advances have since allowed diagnostic and surgical expertise to flourish. An example of these advances at Children's Memorial is the use of the Berlin Heart, which helps children awaiting heart transplants. (Watch the NBC5 video here.) And forms of congenital heart disease previously considered untreatable are now undergoing corrective operations.
An experienced, multidisciplinary team
The division's multidisciplinary team includes two board-certified cardiovascular-thoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensivists, perfusionists, nurses and technologists. All members of the team specialize in the care of children and have extensive experience in treating congenital heart disease.
Dedicated facilities
In 2009, the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit was opened. The nine-bed unit is designed for postoperative cardiovascular surgery patients and critically ill cardiology patients.
A helpful administrative staff
The administrative staff assists with insurance certification, coordinates patient admissions and paperwork regarding the hospitalization, and serves as liaison for directed blood donations and pre-operative scheduling. Our innovative organizational structure makes it possible for us to provide the highest quality patient care from pre-admission contact to post-surgical followup.
Please call 773.880.4378 if you have any questions or if you wish to make an appointment to speak with a surgeon.