Arrhythmia Center
The Pediatric Arrhythmia Center offers state-of-the-art evaluation and treatment for children with abnormal heart rhythms. Our specialized team is devoted to caring for kids of all ages, from newborns to teens.
All services are provided in a child-friendly environment that's comfortable for your whole family. In our San Francisco clinic, we treat adults as well as children whose arrhythmia is related to a congenital heart defect, the most common type of birth defect.
Treatments for our young patients range from medications and minimally invasive techniques such as catheter ablation – a method of stopping abnormal electrical signals in the heart that are causing an arrhythmia – to pacemakers and other surgical options.
Since pioneering the use of catheter ablation in the 1980s, UCSF has been a leader in advancing the understanding and treatment of abnormal heart rhythms. Today we successfully treat a variety of rhythm abnormalities in even the most complicated pediatric cases, guided by the combined expertise of our pediatric cardiologists, electrophysiologists, anesthesiologists, surgeons, cardiac nurses and support staff.
Our locations (2)
Highlights of our heart care
A whole-child approach
We believe in caring for the whole child. This means addressing all of your child's medical needs while also nurturing their emotional, developmental and social well-being.
Built for kids
We're part of a children's hospital, and pediatric heart care is our only focus – we don't treat adults. All our doctors and nurses are specially trained in caring for babies and children, and our facilities and equipment were designed with their needs in mind.
Extra support for patients
Child life specialists are experts in helping kids cope with medical procedures and hospitalization. Using play, education and therapeutic techniques tailored to the child's age and needs, they make the health care experience more positive for the whole family.
Extra support for families
Our Family Resource Center provides information, amenities and comfort to parents and other caregivers, making it easier for you to remain with your child during a hospitalization.
Our team
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Karyn Austin
MD, PhD
Pediatric cardiologist and electrophysiologist -
Kishor Avasarala
MD
Pediatric cardiologist -
Nicole Haupert
NP, MSN
Pediatric nurse practitioner -
Walter Li
MD
Pediatric cardiologist and electrophysiologist -
Ronn Tanel
MD
Pediatric cardiologist and electrophysiologist -
Amy Iams
RN
Pediatric cardiac nurse -
Susan Turpin
PNP, CNS, MSN
Pediatric nurse practitioner
Awards & recognition
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Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
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Best in Northern California for cardiology & heart surgery
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your child's condition
- List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
Related clinics (6)
Cardiology Clinic
Fetal Cardiovascular Program
Support services
Our research initiatives
Saving future lives