Skip to main content

Treatment

Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization

Key Points about Cardiac Catheterization

  • Cardiac catheterization is a procedure in which a long, flexible tube (catheter) is put into a blood vessel. The doctor then guides the catheter into the heart to find and treat heart problems.
  • Your child might need a cardiac catheterization to diagnose a heart problem or to fix an already existing problem (such as a congenital heart defect); diagnostic and interventional catheterizations may also be performed.
  • The procedure is done in a cardiac catheterization (cath) lab in a hospital. Your child's doctor and a specially trained staff of nurses and technicians will be alongside your child throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Cardiac Catheterization at Children's National Hospital

The pediatric heart experts at Children's National Hospital treat children with the most complex heart, blood vessel and valve conditions. Our Cardiac Catheterization program has one of the highest success rates for cardiac catheterization procedures. Learn more about Cardiac Catheterization.

Girl Smiling and Clapping

Help Kids and Make a Difference

Invest in future cures for some of life's most devastating diseases. Give today to help more children grow up stronger.

Girl Smiling and Clapping

Providers of Cardiac Catheterization

Departments that Offer Cardiac Catheterization

    Young boy smiling while sitting on exam table in patient care room

    Cardiology

    The pediatric heart experts at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., provide advanced care for unborn babies, children and young adults with heart conditions.