Interventional Cardiology Program

Cardiac catheterization is a safe procedure that provides effective treatment of many heart defects – often with faster recovery and less pain. During cardiac catheterization, a thin, flexible tube is inserted into one of the patient’s blood vessels, typically in the upper thigh, and guided to their heart.

This allows your doctor to:

• Close abnormal openings
• Enlarge major blood vessels from the heart (pulmonary arteries, aorta)
• Identify structural defects
• Implant stents or valves
• Measure your child’s heart pressure and oxygen levels

Advanced imaging technologies and injectable dyes help your doctor see tiny blood vessels and examine blood flow. Many patients are able to go home the same day, although some may need to spend one night at the hospital, depending on their age and the procedure performed. Our care team will discuss what can be expect before, during and after the procedure.

A cardiologist may recommend a cardiac catheterization to evaluate or treat certain heart conditions such as stenosis, single ventricle defects and cardiomyopathy.

Our heart specialists use these technologically advanced, minimally invasive approaches to:

• Close holes or other structural defects with various devices
• Collect blood samples from the heart chambers
• Examine and open narrowed or blocked blood vessels and valves
• Implant a new heart valve for certain valve disorders
• Implant stents to keep blood vessels open 
• Measure oxygen levels in the heart chambers
• Measure pressures in the heart chambers
• Obtain a small piece of heart muscle tissue, called a biopsy, for analysis

• Unmatched expertise. The Interventional Cardiology Program at Phoenix Children’s is the largest of its kind in the Southwest. We specialize in the latest transcatheter procedures using the most advanced techniques and technology available.
• State-of-the-art technology. The hybrid cardiac catheterization lab at Phoenix Children’s features advanced imaging, proper lighting and specialized equipment that allows our heart surgeons to collaborate seamlessly with other doctors on complex cases requiring multiple procedures.
• Innovative minimally invasive procedures. Our team of experts specializes in minimally invasive procedures that reduce the need for open heart surgery. Phoenix Children’s was the first healthcare system in Arizona to perform a transcatheter valve replacement, and we continue to lead in cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment options.