Cardiothoracic Surgery

UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital experts assess and treat patients with congenital or acquired diseases of the heart, lungs, esophagus, and chest.

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University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital offers comprehensive and highly specialized expertise in pediatric cardiac surgery for children and adults with congenital heart defects of all ages and complexity levels. Our pediatric cardiac surgeons also have expertise in heart repair and palliation in newborns younger than 1 month old.

With the help of advanced imaging technology, many congenital heart conditions can be diagnosed before birth. This allows our collaborative care teams to prepare early treatment plans—sometimes beginning treatment before birth—so your child has the right care from the start.

Comprehensive, personalized care

Because every child's condition is unique, our care teams tailor treatment plans to meet your child’s specific needs. Our cardiothoracic surgeons offer the most contemporary and innovative surgical procedures to patients of all ages and complexity levels. This includes expertise in mechanical assistance devices and transplantations. We offer the only pediatric heart transplant program in Iowa.

As a leader in advancing the care and treatment of children with congenital and acquired heart disease, we also have opportunities for patients to participate in clinical research. Because UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital has a large and successful research program, our patients have access to the latest innovations and surgical solutions available.

Dedicated and highly skilled providers

Our pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons have completed the training required to operate on adults, plus additional education, training, and experience to gain the skills they need to operate on the smaller and still-developing hearts of infants and children. This means that our providers can provide comprehensive care and treatments to address patients' needs as they age and grow. They are also recognized for excellence by the National Institutes of Health and other major surgical societies.

Team-based approach

Supported by a comprehensive children's heart program, our pediatric cardiac surgeons are committed to collaborative, multidisciplinary care. The team includes specialized pediatric cardiologists, neonatologists, intensivists, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and postoperative support groups, all dedicated to providing the best quality of care for children and adults with congenital heart diseases.