*Pioneering heart transplant expert Lori West was named to the Order of Canada.* *Click here to find out more.*

Cardiology

About the Division

Pediatric cardiologists from the Department of Pediatrics treat the second-highest number of pediatric surgical cardiac cases in Canada at the Stollery Children's Hospital. Through the Western Canadian Children's Heart Network, patients from across western Canada receive surgical and other complex therapies at the University of Alberta. These include highly complex procedures performed in very few centres, such as the "artificial" heart program and neonatal heart transplantation. The Stollery Children's Hospital's cardiovascular surgeons collaborate closely with 15 pediatric cardiologists, intensivists, nurse practitioners, nurses, perfusionists, respiratory therapists and other health care professionals.

In caring for children born with congenital heart defects or other cardiac conditions, the Stollery Children's Hospital's Cardiology Program is able to provide a full spectrum of cardiology services including: inpatient and outpatient care, transthoracic, transesophageal, fetal and 3D echocardiography, diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, exercise testing, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI), outreach clinics to central and northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories, as well as adult congenital heart disease programs.

In an average year, the Stollery Children's Hospital sees approximately 7,000 children and adults with congenital heart problems, performs 15 to 20 heart transplants, and provides ongoing care for 100 pediatric heart transplant recipients.

The teaching and research endeavours of the Congenital Heart Program have established an international reputation for excellence in both basic science and clinical science.

Explore More Stories about Cardiology

Little Heart Heroes - Pediatric resident develops a camp for kids
Life lessons - Teens gain knowledge, confidence and communication skills to navigate in the adult health care system
A successful transplant is only the beginning
When two become one - The Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute's cardiology hybrid suite
Specialized care requires specialized training - Fellowship programs benefit children locally and globally