Interventional Cardiology

At OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois, our pediatric interventional cardiology program cares for your child from diagnosis to treatment. Advanced technology and minimally invasive procedures help your child feel better faster, often going home with just a small bandage instead of a large surgical scar.

What is interventional cardiology?

Interventional cardiology uses small tubes called catheters to diagnose and treat heart problems without open-heart surgery. This approach is less invasive, which helps your child recover faster and with fewer risks.

An interventional cardiologist specializes in these techniques, using advanced tools to fix heart issues like valve problems or holes. They also collaborate with heart surgeons to ensure the best care.

Interventional Cardiac Catheterization Procedures

Our pediatric interventional cardiology team is skilled in a variety of minimally invasive procedures designed to diagnose and treat heart issues effectively and with less recovery time.

Some of the procedures we offer include:

Balloon angioplasty to widen blood vessels
Balloon valvuloplasty for aortic and pulmonary valves
Closing PDAs (patent ductus arteriosus) and other vessels
Creating and closing ASDs (atrial septal defects
Hybrid procedures that combine catheter techniques with surgery
PFO (patent foramen ovale) closure for stroke prevention
Pulmonary valve replacement using catheters (like Melody or SAPIEN XT valves)
Stent placement to keep blood vessels open

Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement (TPVR)

TPVR is a less invasive way to replace a problematic pulmonary valve. Instead of open-heart surgery, this procedure uses a catheter, which helps your child recover faster and more comfortably.

Some TPVR options include:

Alterra
Harmony valve
Melody valve
SAPIEN XT valve

Interventional Cardiology vs. Cardiology

General cardiology focuses on diagnosing and managing heart conditions. Interventional cardiology goes a step further, focusing on performing procedures to treat heart issues using catheters, which means no large incisions.

Research with IMPACT Registry

We’re committed to the best care for your child. That’s why we participate in the IMPACT Registry. This national quality database collects data on heart procedures to help improve treatments and outcomes for kids and adults with heart conditions.

What is the function of the pulmonary valve?

The pulmonary valve helps control blood flow from the heart to the lungs.

Where is the pulmonary valve located?

It sits between the right side of the heart and the pulmonary artery.

Is interventional cardiology surgery?

Not exactly. Interventional cardiology uses catheters to treat heart problems, so it’s less invasive than traditional surgery.

Ask for a Referral

Ask your child's cardiologist to refer you to a pediatric interventional cardiologist at OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois. Need a pediatric cardiologist? Search our provider directory and ask your child's primary care providers for a referral.

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