Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

Connecticut Children’s Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory provides diagnostic and interventional procedures for neonates, children and adolescents. We also care for adults as part of our Adult Congenital Heart Disease Service.

 

What is Cardiac Catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to evaluate and treat heart problems. This procedure may be necessary if a heart problem is suspected. It is intended as a diagnostic tool only. Sometimes it can fix or help with an abnormality, such as congenital heart defects.

A catheterization is performed with the use of thin, flexible tubes (catheters), which are inserted through the skin into a blood vessel (often the leg). Live x-ray images allow the physician to guide the catheters through the heart. Cardiac catheterizations are performed by a pediatric cardiologist with specialized training.
 

Screenshot from Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Procedures video

Our Services

  • Coarctation of the aorta
  • Closure of atrial septal defects (ASD)
  • Fontan fenestrations
  • Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
  • Patent foramen ovale (PFO)
  • Placement of stents in arteries and veins
  • Radiofrequency perforations
  • Transcatheter treatment of aortic and pulmonary valve stenosis

We work closely with Connecticut Children’s echocardiography lab and cardiovascular surgery team.

 

Quality and Safety

Connecticut Children’s is an active participant in the Improving Pediatric and Adult Congenital Treatment (IMPACT) Registry, which tracks the outcomes of quality measurements in congenital heart disease treatment. The registry measures the prevalence, demographics, management and outcomes of patients undergoing diagnostic catheterizations, as well as catheter based interventions for congenital heart disease.

Our Team

Caitlin Heyden, DO

Cesar Mesia, MD

Director, Interventional Pediatric Cardiology