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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

Cardiac Catheterization at Children's National Hospital

The pediatric heart experts at Children's National Hospital treat children with the most complex heart, blood vessel and valve conditions. Our Cardiac Catheterization program has one of the highest success rates for cardiac catheterization procedures. Learn more about Cardiac Catheterization.

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Providers of Cardiac Catheterization

Departments that Offer Cardiac Catheterization

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Cardiology

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

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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.

Provider for Cardiac Catherization 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.