The Heart Institute

The Heart Institute is known as a worldwide leader in the treatment of heart disease (congenital or acquired) and lung disorders in children.  We provide virtually every advanced treatment for all heart disorders and defects affecting children. 

Divisions & Programs Incorporated

• Cardiac Anesthesia
• Cardiac Research
• Division of Cardiology
• Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Cardiothoracic Transplantation
• Fetal Cardiology

Range of Services

• Diagnosis
• Consultation
• Treatment
• Ongoing management
• Support services for families

Care Provided

Our Institute's physicians provide comprehensive care to approximately 8,000 children each year.  More than 800 patients undergo cardiac surgery here annually, while another 5,000 patients receive non-invasive and invasive cardiology procedures.  Treatment is provided for children from developmental stages from fetuses through adolescents.  Our Accomplishments

Background on the Institute

The Heart Institute is setting the standard for care of children with congenital and acquired cardiovascular disease. In 1939, the West Coast’s first pediatric heart surgery was performed at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, and we have continued our history of leadership. Today, the Heart Institute is the largest pediatric cardiovascular center in the West and a global referral center, receiving patients from across the nation and the world.

Co- Director    Vaughn Starnes, MD

Co-Director Michael Silka, MD

Leadership

The Heart Institute is co-directed by Dr. Vaughn Starnes, one of the world's foremost pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons, and chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California and Dr. Michael Silka, a world-renowned cardiologist and expert in electrophysiology.

Commonly Treated Conditions

• Ebstein's anomaly
• Coarctation of the aorta
• Atrial septal defect
• Ventricular septal defect
• Transposition of the great arteries
• Total anomalous pulmonary venous return
• Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
• Ross procedure