Division of Cardiology
(see also The Heart Institute at CHLA)

The Division of Cardiology provides state of the art evaluation and treatment for infants, children and adolescents with all forms of heart disease. Nationally recognized sub-specialists are available in all major fields of cardiology, both diagnostic and interventional. The CHLA program functions as a referral center for other cardiology programs in the Western United States and Pacific Rim countries. The Division of Cardiology is a key element of The Heart Institute at CHLA, a multidisciplinary program that is recognized as a leader in the treatment of heart disease. Fellowship training in cardiology and participation in multi-center studies are integral aspects of the program's emphasis on advancements in the evaluation and treatment of heart disease in the young.

Description of Programs and Services

  • Non-invasive Cardiology Services

    Non-invasive testing provides the basis for cardiac diagnosis in most young patients with heart disease. Advances at CHLA in two and three dimensional echocardiographic imaging of the heart provide precise evaluation of structural (congenital) abnormalities of the heart and the basis for most decision-making regarding whether treatment is required and the best approach possible. There is a major commitment to continued advancement in non-invasive cardiovascular imaging at CHLA, and is a primary focus of training and research. The imaging programs also functions as a national training center for physicians in intra-operative (transesophageal) echocardiography.

    Closely related to echocardiography, is the field of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Working in collaboration with the Department of Radiology, the division of cardiology has been a leader in the development of this technique both for the evaluation of both congenital and acquired forms of heart disease.

    Fetal Cardiology Program
    The Fetal Cardiology Center provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for the fetus with heart disease. In addition, we offer a seamless transition, when needed, to medical and/or surgical care of the newborn infant following delivery. Using high-resolution fetal cardiac imaging, experienced fetal cardiologists diagnose and manage both simple and complex forms of fetal heart disease, including arrhythmias. When appropriate, pharmacologic and interventional treatments are offered for affected fetuses to optimize fetal well-being and neonatal outcome. Following the diagnosis of fetal heart disease, a thorough explanation of the heart defect is made to the patient and family, along with a description of the anticipated neonatal course, possible surgical interventions, and long-term prognosis or outlook.

    The Fetal Cardiology Center works closely with individual obstetricians and perinatologists in the community to coordinate the care of affected pregnancies. We maintain a close association with the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles/USC Institute for Maternal and Fetal Health, which can provide, if desired, more comprehensive care for affected pregnancies. Finally, given our close association with the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Heart Institute, patients may choose to schedule prenatal meetings with our cardiothoracic surgical team and/or tours of our dedicated Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU).

    Invasive Cardiology Services
    The complete spectrum of invasive cardiovascular procedures are performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratories at CHLA. These include both diagnostic and interventional procedures. Percutaneous catheter interventional treatments include closure of septal defects, dilation of stenotic (restrictive) valves and arteries and closure of abnormal vessels. These procedures are performed in a state of the art imaging facility designed to optimize imaging and minimize radiation exposure to the patient in an operating room quality facility. Imaging and hemodynamic measurements are made to optimize decisions regarding catheter or surgical treatments.

    Electrophysiology
    A team of highly experienced cardiologists, nurses and technicians employ a variety of diagnostic tools to evaluate arrhythmias, syncope, and patients potentially at risk for sudden cardiac events. When possible, definitive cure of arrhythmias using implantable devices or catheter ablation are used for the cure of arrhythmias. A variety of non-invasive testing modalities are also available, including Holter and event monitoring, tilt testing and exercise electrocardiography.

    Cardiomyopathy and Heart Transplant Program
    Patients with cardiomyopathies and/or heart failure may be referred for consultation, diagnosis and management. Comprehensive evaluation of cardiomyopathy may include metabolic and genetic evaluations as well as medical management of heart failure. Patients with end-stage cardiac disease may be referred for evaluation to the Cardiothoracic Tranplant Program.

  • Kawasaki Syndrome Program

    Heart Institute cardiologists are nationally recognized leaders for their clinical research into the cause(s) and management of Kawasaki Syndrome, a serious childhood illness that can cause coronary artery disease. Affecting young children, mostly under the age of five, the disease has surpassed rheumatic fever as the leading cause of acquired heart lesions in children.

  • Young Adult Cardiac Program

    The young adult cardiac program is a joint clinical program involving both CHLA and the division of Cardiology at USC-University campus. This program provides cares for patients who require cardiac treatment beyond their teen years. In addition to routine follow-up exams, patients receive support in career counseling, financial assistance and family counseling. Patients are seen separately from infants and children to promote acceptance of the growing responsibility of managing their illness.

  • Cardiac Registry

    With the largest registry in the United States, the Heart Institute has access to over 2,000 specimens and their clinical data from as early as 1948, which aids in research.

  • Dyslipidemia and Preventive Cardiology Program

    Diagnosis and management of children and adolescents with abnormal lipids including familial hypercholesterolemia and metabolic syndrome. Nutritional consultation and counseling are integrated into each patient's management plan. The program includes treatment and lifestyle counseling for patients and their families.

  • Hypertension Program

    Ongoing management of children and adolescents with hypertension. Also provided: nutritional counseling to patients who may benefit from it.

PHYSICIANS


HOW TO CONTACT US

The Division of Cardiology welcomes your inquiries. To contact us you can:

Call the Division directly at: (323) 669-2461

Write to us at:
Division of Cardiology
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
4650 Sunset Blvd., #34
Los Angeles, CA 90027-6062

Email us at:
epena@chla.usc.edu




Return to menu