Our Services
Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
Description of Services
The Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory is a modern, technologically advanced facility where approximately 600 catheterization procedures are performed each year. The lab equipment provides excellent imaging with a minimal amount of X-ray exposure for patients and medical personnel.
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
- Performs approximately 600 catheterization procedures each year •
- Performs more than 150 interventional catheterizations each year •
- Performs complete diagnostic and therapeutic electrophysiologic studies, including radio frequency ablations
Catheterization procedures performed in the lab include:
- Surveillance biopsies for heart transplant recipients
- Diagnostic studies for children with complex congenital anomalies
- Therapeutic or interventional catheterizations during which treatment is provided to the child by means of special catheter techniques
About 150 interventional catheterizations are performed each year, including:
- Balloon valvuloplasties for stenotic valves
- Balloon angioplasties for stenotic vessels, such as pulmonary arteries, coarctation of aorta, systemic veins and pulmonary veins
- Placement of intravascular stents
- Coil embolization of the patent ductus arteriosus, collateral vessels and coronary fistulas
- Device closure of the patent ductus arteriosus and intracardiac defects such as ASD, PFO or VSD
- Radiofrequency perforation of occluded cardiac valves
Complete diagnostic and therapeutic electrophysiologic studies, including radio frequency ablations, also are performed in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
Referral Requirements
To make a referral for cardiac catheterization, please call 412-692-5540.
