About Pediatric Cardiology

University of Miami pediatric cardiologists treat the full range of diseases and disorders of the heart in newborns, children, teenagers and young adults. Patients come from all over the world seeking their expertise.

The cardiologists perform all types of diagnostic tests and procedures, including cardiac catheterization, echocardiography (including fetal echocardiography), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electrophysiology studies for heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias). In fact, UM is the only center in South Florida with a full-time specialist in the care of arrhythmias in children and young adults.

Whenever possible, problems are treated with medications or procedures that do not require open heart surgery, such as balloon angioplasty, stent, coil and device closure of atrial and/or ventricular septal defects.  Rhythm disorders may be diagnosed with 3-D mapping and treated with radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, or a pacemaker/defibrillator.  When open heart surgery or heart transplantation is required, the cardiologists work closely with University of Miami pediatric heart surgeons to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

The pediatric cardiologists believe the best care requires a team approach. In addition to cardiologists and surgeons, the UM team includes perinatologists, anesthesiologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists and social workers. The team realizes that having a sick child is very stressful on the family. That’s why they take great care to explain treatment options and to involve families in the decision-making process.