About the Heart Institute

2022 Year in Review
2022 Year in Review

Explore some of the clinical excellence, research highlights, and faculty accomplishments from 2022.

Learn more >>

Every year, referring physicians and families of more than 17,000 patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) choose the Heart Institute at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh when they need the most advanced, experienced, and comprehensive cardiac care available. Here, physicians and staff work with patients and their families toward the common goal of helping children, teens and adults with CHD live their lives to the fullest.

UPMC Children's Hospital's pediatric cardiovascular surgery program has outcomes that are among the highest in the nation. For the period 2014 to 2017, UPMC Children's had one of the lowest overall four-year surgical mortality rates among all high-volume programs with a mortality rate under 2 percent. From 2016 to 2020, our program was awarded consecutive Three-Star ratings from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, one of only 12 programs to receive this distinction.

The STS star rating system was recently replaced by recognition of observed risk-adjusted mortality relative to expected mortality. In a data analysis of procedures performed from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2020, UPMC Children’s overall non-risk adjusted mortality rate was 1.82%, compared to the overall participating North American institutions standing at 2.67%.

What makes us a Heart Institute?

Spanning a Lifetime

Continuum of CareThe Heart Institute offers a complete array of services that span a patient’s lifetime. From the tiniest patients—those who are still in the womb—through adults with congenital heart disease, once you are a patient at the Heart Institute, we stay with you—for life. Learn more about the services we offer from prenatal to adult congenital.

For children with Down Syndrome, the Heart Institute is well supported by the Down Syndrome Center, with locations at Children's Hospital and throughout western Pennsylvania. Find out more

Innovative World-Class Heart Institute

Clinical ExpertiseOur team of more than 170 physicians, nurses and therapists are among the best in the nation, and in the world. Our specialists medically manage every type of heart symptom – from chest pain and fainting to heart rhythm disorders – as well as perform the most challenging heart-lung transplants. We receive some of the most difficult and complex cases and achieve exceptional outcomes that are among the best in the country. Learn more about our world-class physicians and staff.

Attracting the Best and the Brightest

Education and TrainingThe Heart Institute is committed to nurturing the next generation of pediatric cardiologists and physician-scientists by providing rigorous, high-quality training opportunities. Our cardiology fellowship programs are among the most highly sought-after positions and continue to draw outstanding applicants from some of the country’s best universities and residency programs. In addition, our nursing and respiratory therapy training programs and continuing medical education courses offer opportunities for staff and practicing physicians to continually hone their skills and remain current. Learn more about our Cardiology Fellowship program.

Improving Lives Through Research

ResearchOur physician-scientists are on the forefront of basic and clinical research in such areas as heart transplant outcomes optimization, pediatric ventricular assist device development, and the genetic mechanisms of congenital heart disease. Learn more about our groundbreaking research.

 

Make a referral to the Heart Institute at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.