Heart Center

There are many specialists who assist patients and families during a hospitalization at Boston Children’s Hospital.

On our Heart Center team, we have medical experts and other professionals to help with your family's well-being and peace of mind. 

Cardiologists 

Cardiologists diagnose and manage heart disease in newborns, infants, children, adolescents and adults. Many cardiologists specialize in one aspect of cardiac care, such as catheterization, echocardiography, intensive care unit, electrophysiology or adult care.

The Cardiovascular Program at Children's has 50 cardiologists on staff. Each patient has a primary cardiologist, but other cardiologists may be involved in a patient's care as well. 

Cardiac surgeons 

There are four world-renowned cardiac surgeons on staff at Children's. They perform surgical procedures to treat congenital defects of the heart.

Cardiovascular nurses 

More than 150 specialized cardiovascular nurses work in all areas of the Cardiovascular Program. The nurses provide assessment, physical care and emotional support to patients and families, as well as information, education and coordination of care. 

Nurse practitioners 

Nurse practitioners are nurses who have advanced education and specialized skills in cardiovascular care. They participate in the diagnosis, management and coordination of care for patients with heart disease. 

Anesthesiologists 

Pediatric anesthesiologists assume an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. A wide range of anesthesia techniques – from light sedation to general anesthesia – are used to meet the special needs of each patient. Pain management after procedures is another concern and priority of the Cardiac Anesthesia Service. There is also a Pain Management service within the Department of Anesthesia. 

Child life specialists 

A child life specialist seeks to enhance patient's emotional, social and cognitive growth during a hospital visit.  She can also help you understand your child's behavior while in the hospital.  The specialist provides information on common reactions and how best to support your child during her stay. 

Child psychiatric consultants 

A child psychiatric consultant and the hospital's Medical Coping Clinic are available to provide emotional and supportive care for you and your child. If you would like to talk to a counselor, we encourage you to contact your primary physician or nurse to arrange an appointment. 

Perfusionists 

The perfusionist is the member of the Cardiac Operating Room team that sets up, monitors and controls the heart-lung machine during open-heart surgery. While on bypass, the perfusionist controls the patient's blood pressure, temperature and other vital signs under the direction of the team physicians. 

Hospital volunteers 

Hospital volunteers visit patient care units daily to provide companionship and amusement to patients. 

Interpreters 

Interpreters for more than 35 languages, including sign language, are available to assist patients and families. Spanish-speaking interpreters and social workers are available 24 hours a day for families who speak Spanish.

If you will require an interpreter, please notify Interpreter Services at 617-355-7198 prior to admitting your child to the hospital, so we can be prepared upon your arrival.

Licensed clinical social workers 

Social workers are experts in helping parents and families adjust to the emotional impact of a child's illness and hospitalization, by providing support and counseling services.  

For more information, or to request a visit from a social worker, please call the Social Work Department at 617-355-7965, or ask your child's nurse to call for you.

Resource specialists 

A resource specialist is available to assist you with practical concerns, such as housing and transportation. To ensure these needs are met, we recommend that parents contact a resource specialist prior to their child's hospitalization by calling 617-355-7965. 

Clinical Dietitian 

The clinical dietitian is a registered dietitian who can help with your child's specific diet concerns. Many newborns with congestive heart disease require special high-calorie formula, and our dietitians can assist you with this and any other dietary needs and concerns.

Patient care coordinators 

The patient care coordinator is a nurse who can help you if your child needs special discharge planning arrangements. The coordinator also gets any important medical information to your insurance company to certify inpatient hospitalizations.