Why choose Connecticut Children’s Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery

We are home to the only dedicated team in the state that cares for patients with congenital heart disease throughout all stages of life, from before birth through adulthood. Our specialists use advanced techniques to diagnose heart conditions and develop tailored treatment plans for all patients, whether they are in utero, newborns, children, teens, or adults. 

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Diagnosis of Heart Conditions

Congenital heart conditions often require specialized tests to accurately diagnose and understand the nature of the defect. At Connecticut Children’s, our team uses a range of non-invasive tests, such as echocardiograms, cardiac MRIs and fetal echocardiograms (for prenatal diagnoses), to examine the heart and create a personalized care plan.

In cases where a heart murmur or symptoms like fatigue, difficulty breathing or poor growth are present, further testing helps us determine whether a congenital heart defect is involved. Early detection is key, and with advanced diagnostic tools, we can identify heart issues at any stage of life, even before birth.

 

Treatment Options

Some heart conditions can be treated with medication or watchful waiting. For conditions requiring further treatment, we focus first on minimally invasive procedures, including cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology. Many conditions that used to require open heart surgery can now be treated through minimally invasive cardiac catherization. The team at Connecticut Children’s has pioneered a number of cardiac catherization procedures available only at Connecticut Children’s in Connecticut. Connecticut Children’s offers the only Hybrid Cath lab dedicated to children and adults with congenital heart disease 

We are the first in the state to offer transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects in children and adults and transcatheter repair of partial anomalous pulmonary venous return. Additionally CT Children is the first program in Connecticut to offer Altera Adaptive trans-catheter pulmonary valve replacement. At Connecticut Children’s, we pioneered the innovative Zero X-Ray catheter ablation for cardiac arrhythmias, offering state-of-the-art management of heart rhythm disorders through this advanced procedure.

When patients need heart surgery, our cardiac surgeons will work closely with you to ensure you understand all available treatment options and guide you through the process with care and expertise.
 

Our Cardiology Expertise

Caring for All Types of Heart Conditions

The Heart Center specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of congenital heart conditions, including aortic valve stenosis, atrial septal defect (ASD), hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), Tetralogy of Fallot, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and Ventricular septal defect (VSD). 

Our Latest Breakthroughs

The Heart Center is at the forefront of pediatric cardiology research, working to discover new treatments and improve outcomes for patients with congenital heart conditions. We’re provide cutting-edge care using the latest medical advancements.

Congenital Heart Specialists

Our team of congenital heart specialists includes experienced cardiologists, cardiac intensivists, cardiac surgeons and advanced practice providers. Whether you're a parent seeking care for your child or an adult living with congenital heart disease, we’re here to support you with compassion and expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pediatric cardiology focuses on heart conditions present from birth, known as congenital heart disease. Pediatric cardiologists specialize in understanding how these conditions affect children’s growth and development. However, many adults also live with congenital heart disease, and our specialists are trained to treat these patients throughout their lives.

Common signs include fatigue, difficulty breathing, poor growth in infants or a heart murmur. If you or your child have these symptoms, a pediatric cardiologist can perform tests to determine if a heart condition is present.

Yes, through a fetal echocardiogram, heart conditions can often be detected before a baby is born. This allows us to plan for any necessary treatment as soon as your baby is delivered.

Most patients with congenital heart disease do not need surgery, but if they do, our team uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. We will discuss all treatment options with you to ensure the best care.

Genetics can play a significant role in congenital heart conditions. Some defects are inherited, and if there’s a family history of heart problems, your child may be at higher risk. Our genetic counselors will work with you to understand these factors, and they can help guide other family members through the process of obtaining genetic testing, if warranted.

Long-term care depends on the condition. Some conditions may require periodic follow-up for imaging, medication management, cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology or cardiac surgery. 

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Locations

Exterior view of Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford

Connecticut Children’s Medical Center – Hartford

282 Washington Street
Hartford, CT06106
United States

Exterior view of 310 Western Boulevard in Glastonbury

Connecticut Children’s Specialty Care Center – Glastonbury

310 Western Boulevard
Glastonbury, CT06033
United States

Connecticut Children’s Specialty Care Center – Danbury

105 Newtown Road
Danbury, CT06810
United States

Exterior view of 11 South Road in Farmington

Connecticut Children’s Specialty Care Center – Farmington (11 South Rd)

11 South Road
Farmington, CT06032
United States

Connecticut Children’s Specialty Care Center – Westport

191 Post Road West
Westport, CT06880
United States

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Resources for Patients & Families

Zip-Line is a charming book written for children that had open heart surgery and are left with a “zip-line” scar on their chest. This book whimsically explains the answer to the question “How did that line get there?” Zip-Line helps children be comfortable with themselves, their scar, and the surgery they are too young to remember.

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