Cardiac Catheterization

The Interventional Cardiology program provides a complete range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for children and adolescents. Children’s Heart Centre is equipped with a modern diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization laboratory. It has recently been upgraded to include two new Siemens angiography suites with state-of-the-art digital technology.

Interventional cardiology with children is undergoing rapid development and expansion. The cardiac catheterization team’s role has evolved rapidly from focusing on diagnosis to focusing primarily on intervention. However, diagnostic cardiac catheterization is still an important tool in assessing patient hemodynamics, physiology, and anatomy. For more information, see the Diagnostic Tests section in Heart & Soul.

This program has built a national reputation for excellence in diagnostic imaging. It has expanded to include all aspects of device closure for congenital defects, use of radio-frequency devices for opening atretic vessels and stent implantation for vessel stenosis, and native and re-coarctation of the aorta. We have an established program for device closure of atrial and muscular defects along with patent ductus arteriosus.

Children’s Heart Centre is one of three Canadian centres evaluating the safety and efficacy of device closure for perimembranous ventricular septal defects. The laboratory is intimately linked with all other imaging devices (ultrasound, MRI, CT) to provide a seamless assessment for all patients.

Research initiatives include invasive evaluation of ventricular function, vascular compliance and endothelial function. The program also participates in diagnostic electrophysiology procedures and works closely with The Pacific Adult Congenital Heart Clinic at St. Paul’s Hospital to provide services to adults with congenital heart disease.

All cardiac catheterizations are booked by a pediatric cardiologist.

For more information, see referral information for professionals.

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