Approximately eight in every 1,000 children are born with a congenital heart defect, and we offer extensive services in this area. The Heart Institute at Le Bonheur Children’s uses the combined expertise of an advanced pediatric cardiac team to provide specialized care for children with congenital heart disease. Le Bonheur Children’s works to provide care for every child by utilizing advanced technology and skillful physicians to create a cardiovascular center of excellence.
The Heart Institute includes evaluation and treatment of all forms of congenital and acquired heart disease, hypertension, cardiac rhythm disorders and other related pediatric cardiology diagnoses.
When children come to Le Bonheur Children’s, they are in the hands of a team of experts in pediatric heart care. A specialized group of pediatric cardiologists, pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiac intensivists, pediatric intensivists and anesthesiologists make up the Heart Institute. The Institute also houses a pediatric cardiology fellowship program. In addition to the physician staff, advanced practice nurses, perfusionists, cardiac nurses, respiratory therapists, cath lab techs, echocardiographers and eletrocardiogram techs support the care of patients and are each specially trained in pediatric care. Through weekly conferences, children with complicated heart conditions are discussed and a course of treatment is planned.
Pedi-Flite, Le Bonheur Children’s transport team, delivers children within a 150-mile radius to the hospital via helicopter when needed.
Family Centered Care
Le Bonheur Children’s is committed to providing care focused on the child and family. Child Life Specialists are on hand seven days a week to provide healing in a fun and safe environment. Physicians consider parents to be vital members of the healthcare team. Morning rounds are conducted at the child’s bedside and parents are encouraged to attend. A wide range of family services offer support for the emotional and practical aspects of caring for a child with complex cardiac disease.
Education
Le Bonheur Children’s is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and many area schools of nursing. The Heart Institute’s pediatric specialists train nursing students, medical students and medical residents. In addition, a three-year ACGME accredited fellowship is offered for physicians who choose to specialize in pediatric cardiology.
