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Fetal Heart Program
Each year in the United States, 8 in 1,000 babies are born with a congenital heart defect.
Not all of these defects are critical, but some do affect the survival and well-being of infants.
UVA’s Fetal Heart Program specializes in the detection, evaluation and management of fetal cardiac defects and fetal cardiac rhythm disturbances.
If your baby has a heart problem, we’ll work with you and your obstetrician to plan your care and discuss your options.
We offer parents a team approach – we take care of your baby and you before and after birth.
State-of-the-Art Imaging
Many heart defects are detected while the baby is still in the womb. We use advanced imaging to diagnose problems before delivery, which may be vital to a baby’s well-being after birth.
Learn more about fetal echocardiograms.
Pediatric Heart Surgery
Our surgeons:
At UVA, mom and baby receive care under one roof.
- Perform all types of congenital heart surgery
- Place pacemakers and defibrillators
- Do heart transplants
- Offer ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation)
Find out more about heart surgery options for infants.
Heart Failure and Pediatric Cardiac Transplant
UVA offers the only pediatric heart transplant program in Virginia. We’ve successfully transplanted donor hearts in children of all ages. Our services include bridging to transplant with ECMO and pediatric ventricular assist devices (VADs).
Interventional Cardiac Catheterization
Our doctors use cardiac catheterization (also called a heart cath) to diagnose and treat heart defects in babies and children. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube is guided into the heart. Heart caths are often performed for:
- Aortic or pulmonary valve stenosis
- Balloon angioplasty
- Stent and valve placement
Electrophysiology
For infants and children born with a heart rhythm problem (arrhythmia) we offer a wide range of treatment options. These treatments, including pacemakers, defibrillators and ablation, are tailored to the specific needs of the smaller but growing bodies of infants.
Find out more about our pediatric heart program.
