Since its beginning in 1988 our pediatric heart surgeons have cared for children and adults with congenital cardiac defects. This includes patients with simple heart defects to ones with the most complex and challenging problems. The center has demonstrated excellent results in terms of mortality and complication rates through the collaborative efforts of a multidisciplinary team.

 

A team of pediatric cardiac anesthesiologists, neonatologists, cardiologists, intensivists, physicians' assistants, nurse practitioners, cardiac perfusionists, pharmacists, child-life specialists, nurses, and social workers work closely with the surgeons to safeguard every phase of a child's surgery and recovery.

 

In fact, each operation involves at least 30 individuals that work in concert to assure the optimal outcome with each child. We seek to meet their individual medical and psychosocial needs. In addition, intensive care physicians are available in the hospital 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide vigilant post-operative care, intervene in emergency situations, and prepare for emergency surgery.

 

Our team approach uses a regular weekly conference to discuss cases. This allows many perspectives and multiple areas of expertise. Our discussion about each case and recommended treatment options provide the best possible outcome for the child.

 

Our program at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children encompasses the full spectrum of pediatric cardiac surgical procedures. The surgical team uses state-of-the-art approaches to surgery and monitoring equipments to provide patients with safer and more efficient paths to recovery.

 

The program’s expertise centers on:

• Early congenital heart reconstruction and repair
  
• Complex congenital heart reconstruction and repair, including the use of cryopreserved allograft valves and valve conduits in neonates, infants and children. 
  
• Minimally invasive congenital heart repairs and valve surgery 
  
• Valve repair, replacement, and conduits including using the pulmonary valve as an autograft for aortic valve replacement (Ross procedure)
  
• The Fast Track program identifies children having surgical procedures that are appropriate for early extubation, and decreased length of stay in the hospital.