Cardiac Catheterization Lab at The Willson Heart Center
The Pediatric Heart Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, more commonly known as the Cath Lab, at The Willson Heart Center offers all currently available pediatric diagnostic and interventional procedures for infants, children and adolescents with congenital and acquired heart disease. Our specialists offer improved care using the latest techniques, including advanced endovascular therapeutics, enabling our pediatric specialists to close a hole in a child’s heart through a 1/8-inch skin puncture.
Pediatric Heart Cath Expertise
Our expertise falls into two areas, diagnostic and therapeutic. Diagnostically, we support heart care by providing anatomic detail and heart function information on issues raised from clinical examination and noninvasive testing. Therapeutic catheterization allows us to perform interventions that previously required open-heart surgery, including:
- Angioplasties and Stents
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Closures
- Balloon Angioplasty
- Balloon Septostomy
- Balloon Valvuloplasty
- Collateral Vessel Closure
- Embolizing Abnormal Blood Vessels
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closures
- Relieving Aortic and Pulmonary Valve Obstructions or Blockages (Valvuloplasties)
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) Closures
Most Advanced Technology Available
The Cath Lab features fully digital and completely computerized equipment, making it one of the most technologically advanced laboratories in the United States. Digital images are maintained and archived all on-line for immediate multi-user, simultaneous viewing at The Willson Heart Center’s cardiology and surgery offices.
New Discoveries through Clinical Trials
To continue to improve cardiovascular care through research and discovery, the Cath Lab at The Willson Heart Center is actively involved in nationally sponsored clinical trials. Our team participates in ongoing clinical trials including the Phase II FDA trial for the Nit-Occlud Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) occlusion device and the Amplatzer High-Risk Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) closures. Currently, we are enrolling patients for both the ASD and VSD occlusion post-market clinical trials. In addition, we are actively involved in data sharing and outcomes research, including the MAGIC congenital heart disease catheterization database for interventional outcome studies, and the Congenital Cardiovascular Interventional Study Consortium (CCISC).
Partnerships across our Communities
Our board-certified heart specialists provide remote interpretations of electrocardiograms and echocardiograms for a number of hospitals throughout Central California. Consultative services are provided as requested. Telemedicine consultations can be arranged.
Providers may refer patients to The Willson Heart Center’s Cardiac Testing Center for any diagnostic needs, including echocardiography, electrocardiography and rhythm monitoring.