Treatment
Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization
Key Points about Cardiac Catheterization
- Cardiac catheterization is a procedure in which a long, flexible tube (catheter) is put into a blood vessel. The doctor then guides the catheter into the heart to find and treat heart problems.
- Your child might need a cardiac catheterization to diagnose a heart problem or to fix an already existing problem (such as a congenital heart defect); diagnostic and interventional catheterizations may also be performed.
- The procedure is done in a cardiac catheterization (cath) lab in a hospital. Your child's doctor and a specially trained staff of nurses and technicians will be alongside your child throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cardiac catheterization?
Why might my child need a cardiac catheterization?
What are the risks of cardiac catheterization?
How do I get my child ready for cardiac catheterization?
What happens during cardiac catheterization?
What happens after cardiac catheterization?
Meet the Providers Who Perform Cardiac Catheterizations
Patient Stories
- Tireless, Loving Care for Orlin
MJ's world caved in when she learned her baby would be born with a serious congenital heart defect. Orlin would need immediate cardiac catheterization, then heart surgery and loads of tender, loving care at Children's National Hospital to grow up stronger.
- 150 Years of Compassion in the Cath Lab
In our cardiac catheterization lab, a courageous and devoted group of interventional cardiologists, nurses and cardiovascular invasive specialists treat some of the sickest children in the hospital.
- Tiny Stents and Big Adventures: Hybrid Surgery Gives Cayden's Heart a Chance
Cayden was born with a life-threatening complex congenital heart defect. Learn how the hybrid procedure for HLHS helped Cayden.
Departments that Offer Cardiac Catheterization

Children's National Heart Center
Our expert pediatric heart team, including more than 40 subspecialties, offer advanced heart care and excellent outcomes for thousands of children every year.

Cardiology
The pediatric heart experts at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., provide advanced cardiology care for unborn babies, children and young adults with heart conditions. Learn more about this program.

Cardiac Catheterization
We perform hundreds of catheterization procedures every year. We treat children with the most complex heart, blood vessel, and valve conditions. We have one of the highest success rates for cardiac catheterization procedures. Learn more about Cardiac Catheterization.