Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization in Orlando

Pediatric heart catheterization can be performed on children of any age — even newborns immediately after birth.

Pediatric cardiac catheterizations, electrophysiological (EP) studies and cardiac ablations are procedures used to diagnose and treat various forms of heart disease in children. Catheterizations involve inserting a tiny catheter through a vein and/or artery leading to the heart to:

• Look at the anatomy of the heart
• Obtain tissue samples for biopsy
• Open the atrial septum in order to treat certain pediatric congenital heart problems
• Close small holes inside the heart (such as with atrial septal defect or ventricular septal defect)
• Strategically block blood flow in a blood vessel (such as with patent ductus arteriosus or pulmonary collateral vessels)
• Place stents in arteries to keep them open

Pediatric cardiac catheterization and EP studies can range from one to five hours and, rarely, longer. We know such procedures can be scary for kids. At AdventHealth for Children our pediatric cardiology specialists will provide a sedative to either relax or fully sedate your child, considering their comfort and wellness as much as possible.

After the procedure, your child will lie on a bed for a few hours immediately following the procedure. Once the nurse has assessed the patient, family members can be brought back to visit. Once a room becomes available, your child will be transported to his or her overnight stay room.