Cedars-Sinai Medical Center announced on Mar. 24 that new developments in pediatric interventional cardiology are changing the way children with congenital heart disease are treated at its facilities.
Congenital heart defects are among the most common birth defects worldwide, affecting about 40,000 babies each year in the United States. Innovations such as less invasive procedures and improved imaging are helping reduce risks and recovery times for young patients.
Stephen Nageotte, MD, MBA, director of the Congenital Catheterization Laboratory at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s and the Smidt Heart Institute, discussed recent progress in an interview. “Over the past five years, there have been major advances in three key areas: premature patent ductus arteriosus [PDA] closure; transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement; and PDA stenting,” Nageotte said. He explained that these procedures now allow many patients to be treated without surgery or with delayed surgery.
Nageotte also described how transcatheter PDA closure has become a significant option for premature infants whose hearts and lungs are under strain from a persistent PDA. “The procedure is quick and can be done at the bedside in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU], which helps us avoid transporting fragile infants,” he said. He added that research suggests many babies show respiratory improvement after closure.
Device technology has played a role as well. “One recent advancement is an improved delivery system for PDA closure devices…the newer system allows physicians to navigate and deliver the device using a single, shorter, softer catheter,” Nageotte said.
He also noted improvements in imaging techniques like cardiac CT and MRI scans which use lower radiation doses while providing clearer images: “There’s also growing interest in using virtual or augmented reality to create 3D heart models for procedure planning.” Nageotte emphasized early detection: “Early detection and screening are incredibly important…so families can meet the care team and understand what to expect.” He stressed ongoing support: “Families aren’t expected to understand every technical detail—our role is to guide them…and be there every step of the way.”
Located in Los Angeles, California, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center was founded in 1902. Its current president is Thomas M. Priselac. The hospital includes a pediatric ward and serves as a training hospital; it admitted over 50,000 patients during calendar year 2022 according to their annual report.
Nageotte concluded by highlighting long-term relationships between medical teams and families: “Building long‑term relationships with patients and families is one of the most meaningful parts of this work.”
