Interventional Cardiology Program
The doctors in our Pediatric and Adult Congenital Interventional Cardiology Program specialize in cardiac catheterization, a safe and commonly performed procedure for diagnosing and treating many heart problems in children and adults. Our doctors frequently use cardiac catheterization procedures to repair problems that once required open-heart surgery.
During cardiac catheterization, the doctor inserts a catheter (a small, thin, flexible tube) through a tiny incision in the groin or neck, then threads it through blood vessels to reach the heart using X-ray guidance. Through these catheters doctors measure pressures and collect blood samples for analysis. Some specialized catheters even allow doctors to fix heart problems, including closing holes in the heart or replacing heart valves
Children have smaller hearts and blood vessels than adults, and they require different sedation and monitoring because of their size, age and ability to cooperate. The cardiologists, nurses and anesthesiologists on our interventional cardiology team are specially trained in the unique needs of children, including infants born prematurely or at low birth weights.
Here at UCSF, you and your child have access to the latest cardiac techniques and technologies, as well as a variety of support services to help you navigate your care. Our team has been instrumental in developing new interventional heart therapies for children and adults with congenital heart disease, and we are actively evaluating additional promising treatments in clinical trials.
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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Elena Amin
MBChB
Pediatric cardiologist -
Jeffery J. Meadows
MD
Pediatric cardiologist -
Phillip Moore
MD, MBA
Pediatric cardiologist -
Hitendra Patel
MBBS, FACC, MRCP
Pediatric cardiologist -
David F. Teitel
MD
Pediatric cardiologist -
Jessica Thai
FNP, MSN
Nurse practitioner -
Turner Wiley
PNP, DNP, 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 clinincs (8)
20
Cardiology Clinic
2
Congenital Heart Disease Young Adult Transition Program
14
Fetal Cardiovascular Program
2
Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Support services
Our research initiatives
Feeling at home
From bedside bingo to therapy dogs, we're here to help kids smile and feel more like themselves.
Visit Child Life services