Medical Services
Most diagnostic procedures are done by the patient's pediatric cardiologist prior to referring the patient for surgery. These diagnostic procedures may include:
- Cardiac catheterization/intervention
- Cardiac MRI
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram
- Electrophysiology radio frequency ablation
- Fetal echocardiogram
- Stress test
During the outpatient consultation process, patients and their parents are informed of their cardiac diagnosis and the correction recommended for their type of defect, along with the risks and benefits of a surgical repair. Families are also given the opportunity to ask questions and voice any concerns they may have. Once everything has been explained and all questions are answered, surgery will be scheduled.
Treatment Options
The division's surgeons offer minimally invasive open heart surgery using partial sternotomy and thoracotomy. These procedures allow the surgeons to avoid splitting open the whole sternum and give access to the heart with an incision one-third as long as in traditional sternotomy. The procedure is used for closure of atrial septal defects and ventricular septal defects in pediatric cardiac patients. It leads to a less noticeable scarring and offers an easier recovery because it is less painful and there is less risk of external complications.
In addition, the surgeons also perform cryoablation surgery and epicardial pacemaker insertion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long will my child be in surgery?
A: Surgery times vary depending on the type of surgical repair. The surgeon will explain to you how long you should expect your child to be in the operating room at the time of your consultation.
Q: Can I visit and hold my child after surgery?
A: We strongly encourage a parent's presence in the room once the child returns from the operating room. It helps with the healing process for the child. In some cases, you will be able to hold your child very soon after surgery.
Q: How long will my child have to stay in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU)?
A: Usually one or two days.
Can I stay in the hospital room with my child?
After your child is stabilized following surgery, you will be able to be in the room with your child while he or she is in the PICU. Once he or she is moved to the step-down unit, you will be able to stay in the room overnight. Appropriate sleeping arrangements are available in every room.
How long before my child returns to his or her normal activity level?
Most children exhibit normal activity within days following open heart surgery. Some restrictions may be recommended up to six weeks.
Will my child require more surgeries?
Some congenital heart defects do require more surgeries throughout the child's life. Your surgeon will let you know if your child's defect will require additional surgeries.
top of page
|
