For more than three decades, WMCHealth’s Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital pediatric cardiovascular team of surgeons has pioneered numerous life-saving therapies by developing and using groundbreaking techniques, leading-edge technologies and advanced equipment for heart surgeries.
With proven novel interventional techniques using cardiac catheterization, we are also leading the way in alternatives to open heart surgery. That means less discomfort, reduced recovery time, and a better chance at a more healthy childhood.
Why Choose Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital?

Patients and families have traveled from all over the United States to receive the care they need through innovative approaches such as the minimally invasive right axillary thoracotomy. In addition to receiving excellent surgical care, patients and families benefit from working with our experienced team of cardiologists, pediatric anesthesiologists, critical care, and child life specialists. Together, we navigate the challenges associated with treating a heart condition.
Compassion and integrity are at the heart of cardiothoracic surgery at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. We understand the complexities of pediatric cardiology and know every family’s priority to have the best outcomes with minimal pain and recovery time. Here, top surgeons in the area will support your child and family at every step of the journey.
Pediatric Conditions We Treat with Cardiothoracic Surgery
Our world-renowned team of doctors offers revolutionary life-saving cardiac surgical techniques for the following conditions:
- Aortic regurgitation
- Aortic stenosis
- Atrial septal defect
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Complete atrioventricular septal defect
- Cor triatriatum
- Double inlet left ventricle
- Double outlet right ventricle
- Ebstein anomaly
- Endocardial cushion defect
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
- Interrupted aortic arch
- Mitral stenosis
- Mitral regurgitation
- Patent ductus arteriosus
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO
- Pulmonary atresia
- Pulmonary vein stenosis
- Pulmonary stenosis
- Single ventricle defects
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Total anomalous pulmonary venous return
- Transposition of the great arteries
- Tricuspid atresia
- Truncus arteriosus
- Vascular ring
- Ventricular septal defect
Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery Services and Technology
Rooted in an academic medical center, we are committed to discovery and innovation while providing compassionate care for children. With innovative surgical capabilities, we prioritize optimal outcomes and minimal discomfort.
Minimally Invasive Right Axillary Thoracotomy
With this procedure, surgeons can repair the heart through a small incision—three inches or smaller—under the arm. This approach is more ideal than the traditional approach known as sternotomy, which involves cutting through the breastbone. Surgeons can perform it on children of all ages, including infants.
Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization
Pediatric cardiac catheterization is an interventional, but minimally invasive procedure. It can be used to help diagnose a heart defect or perform a treatment such as an angioplasty or stent placement to enlarge a narrowed vessel. It causes little or no physical discomfort. Teams specializing in cardiac catheterization and surgery work in sync to perform one or both procedures and map out an individualized treatment plan. .
Electrophysiology
Electrophysiologists use proven, innovative techniques, including low-dose fluoroscopy and intracardiac echocardiography to get clear views of the heart and other structures. This approach minimizes risk to the heart. Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital is one of a handful of hospitals in the country performing subcutaneous cardiac defibrillator (S-ICD) implantation in children. This minimizes damage to the veins and other structures and often eliminates device-related infection.