Pediatric Cardiac Catherterization Lab

MCG Children’s Medical Center is home to the region’s only dedicated pediatric cardiac catheterization (cath) labs specially designed to treat and diagnose congenital heart defects in children. Congenital heart defects are the #1 birth defect in the U.S., affecting about 1 in 150 births.

A cardiac cath is a minimally invasive procedure and often reduces the need for open-heart surgery. This means a child can recover quickly with fewer complications and spend less time in the hospital. We offer state-of-the-art equipment and technology for diagnostic and interventional cardiac care. Our team of pediatric cardiologists, nurses and staff bring expert knowledge and specialized training to care for more than 200 children each year, from tiny newborns to adolescents.

As part of our family-centered care, parents are encouraged to tour the lab and accompany their child to the procedure. Every step is explained in detail to allow time for questions and concerns.

Diagnostic procedures

• Right and/or left heart catheterization
• Angiography of cardiac structures
• Evaluation of coronary arteries
• Cardiac biopsy
• Transesophageal Echocardiography

Interventions

• Patent ductus arteriosus coils
• Atrial septostomy
• Aortic and pulmonary angioplasty
• Aortic and pulmonary valvuloplasty
• Non-surgical closure of atrial septal defects
• Pericardiocentesis
• Stents
• Evaluation of prosthetic valves

For more information about cardiac catherization, call (706) 721-KIDS.