Children’s Minnesota Cardiovascular Program
As a leading provider of pediatric cardiology services, Children’s Minnesota offers comprehensive care from before birth to adulthood. Our dedicated team of pediatric experts specializes in treating various congenital and childhood heart diseases. We handle everything from fetal and routine cardiology to advanced surgery. Operating as the largest pediatric cardiology program in Minnesota, we consistently achieve the best outcomes.
Complete pediatric heart care in one place
Our cardiovascular program offers a complete range of pediatric cardiac care. It combines inpatient services at the Edward J. Phillips Cardiovascular Care Center with outpatient care at The Children’s Heart Clinic in Minneapolis.
Additionally, we extend our reach with pediatric cardiology clinics across the Twin Cities metro and regional outreach locations. Our pediatric experts are dedicated to ensuring a seamless continuum of care for all kids. We deliver specialized treatments for individuals of all ages facing congenital heart defects.
The heart of our program
Here is the wide range of pediatric cardiovascular specializations we excel in.
- Fetal cardiology: Early detection and intervention of congenital heart disease are paramount, and our highly trained maternal-fetal medicine specialists can provide expert care.
- Intensive care follow-up clinic – neurodevelopmental services: ensuring holistic care for cardiac patients’ developmental needs.
- Specialized programs for pediatric cardiac conditions: Dedicated single ventricle cardiac home monitoring program.
- Community outreach initiatives: Project ADAM Minnesota, launched in 2021, prepares schools to respond effectively in the event of cardiac emergencies.
- Leaders in state-of-the-art advanced pediatric cardiac imaging: Our advanced techniques include CT scanning, electrophysiology studies and transthoracic echocardiography.
- Dedicated pediatric heart failure heart transplant program: certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), offering comprehensive solutions for heart failure.
- Award-winning ECMO program: providing advanced care for patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.
- Advanced surgical interventions: As the upper Midwest’s largest pediatric interventional and surgical hospital, we provide cutting-edge surgical interventions for pediatric patients.
To learn more about our comprehensive services see a complete list of our conditions and services.
Take a tour of our Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) and hear from our staff
What drives our dedication to excellence in pediatric cardiology
At Children’s Minnesota, we prioritize timely identification of heart conditions, ensuring swift and tailored interventions. According to the CDC:
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects 1 in 100 births worldwide, with nearly 40,000 cases per year in the United States.
- Approximately 1 in 4 babies with CHD have a critical form. This usually requires surgery or other procedures in their first year of life.
- The most common heart defect is a ventricular septal defect (VSD).
The Mayo Clinic – Children’s Minnesota Cardiovascular Collaborative
In 2020, Children’s Minnesota and Mayo Clinic forged a unique cardiovascular collaboration to enhance care for children with pediatric heart disease. The Mayo Clinic – Children’s Minnesota Cardiovascular Collaborative leverages resources and clinical expertise. It delivers top-tier pediatric cardiology and cardiovascular surgery services nationally. This collaboration extends clinical coverage, and increases research and education opportunities, building upon our longstanding relationship with Mayo Clinic.
Also, learn why we are part of the Mayo Clinic hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) partnership.
Ranked as a Best Children’s Hospital by U.S. News & World Report
The Mayo Clinic – Children’s Minnesota Cardiovascular Collaborative ranked as a Best Children’s Hospital for 2022-2023 by U.S. News & World Report in cardiology and heart surgery.
Our outlook for pediatric cardiovascular research
Our commitment extends to ongoing research and advancements in cardiovascular disorder treatments. We are dedicated to improving the future of pediatric cardiac care through cutting-edge research initiatives. Learn more about our cardiovascular research.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about our cardiovascular program
Pediatric cardiologists at Children’s Minnesota are doctors that specialize in diagnosing and treating heart problems in children before they are born, through childhood and into adulthood. Your child may need to see one of our cardiologists if they were born with congenital heart disease or develop a heart condition after birth. Our team will create individualize treatment plans that work with your family and give your child the care they need.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled visit for check-in. We ask that you bring your insurance card and photo ID to every visit for us to verify.
In general, the first Children’s Heart Clinic visit takes about two and a half hours. A parent or guardian and child will meet with the pediatric cardiologist. The cardiologist will assess the child’s health, ask about any symptoms the child is having and go over the results of any tests.
Your cardiologist may review your previous records and order an echocardiogram (echo) or electrocardiogram (EKG) to complete your evaluation.
Prepare a list of topics or concerns you have for the doctor ahead of time, be honest and open about your child’s health and behavior and ask for clarification or additional information as needed. Here are a range of questions worth considering.
- What are the potential risks of the condition my child was diagnosed with?
- Are there lifestyle changes we need to make at home to support our child’s heart health?
- How often will my child need follow-up appointments with the cardiologist?
- Can my child participate in sports and physical activities with a cardiovascular condition?
- What is the long-term outlook for my child’s cardiovascular condition?
- How can I advocate for my child in school?
- How will my child’s quality of life change?
- If this is a trial procedure, why would you choose this one over another one?
Pediatric cardiovascular conditions are often diagnosed through a combination of medical history reviews, physical examinations and diagnostic tests, such as echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (EKGs) and imaging studies. Your child’s cardiologist will discuss the diagnostic process with you and tailor it to your child’s specific needs.
A pediatric cardiovascular diagnosis can be emotionally challenging. It’s essential to provide a supportive environment, encourage open communication and seek professional counseling if needed.
The Children’s Minnesota child life specialists are here to help. They are trained to partner with the whole family to promote healthy methods of emotional expression, encouraging patients to channel their feelings through play, dialogue, arts, crafts, music and other forms of expression.
Plus, our clinical social services team assists families with the physical, emotional and social issues and concerns that exist during a hospitalization.
At Children’s Minnesota, we have numerous resources available, including support groups, counseling services and educational materials. Learn more about our comprehensive family services.
Effective advocacy involves communication with health care providers, educators and other relevant stakeholders. Understanding your child’s rights, being informed about their condition and maintaining open lines of communication with all involved parties are essential components of effective advocacy, that is why we have the Children’s Minnesota Advocacy Network – a team that calls attention to health and health care issues that impact children and their families.
In addition, the Children’s Minnesota cardiovascular program started Project ADAM Minnesota in 2021. Project ADAM is a national program to help prepare schools to respond to kid’s cardiac arrest.
Ongoing research in pediatric cardiovascular medicine continues to bring forth advancements in diagnostics, treatments, and overall care. While not every new development may directly impact your child immediately, staying informed about research can help you and your health care team make informed decisions about your child’s care over time. Learn more about our cardiovascular research and clinical trials.
