Since surgeon Willis J. Potts began operating on children with congenital heart defects at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago in the 1940s, the Division of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgery has been a leader in the research and treatment of congenital heart disease.
Tremendous technological advances have since allowed diagnostic and surgical expertise to flourish. Children with forms of congenital heart disease previously considered untreatable are now undergoing corrective operations.
Children's Memorial
was first in Illinois to implant the Berlin Heart,
a breakthrough technology that helps children awaiting heart transplants.
The division's multidisciplinary team includes two board-certified cardiovascular-thoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensivists, perfusionists, nurses and technologists. All members of the team specialize in the care of children and have extensive experience in treating congenital heart disease.
The administrative staff assists with insurance certification, coordinates patient admissions and paperwork regarding the hospitalization, and serves as liaison for directed blood donations and pre-operative scheduling. Our innovative organizational structure makes it possible for us to provide the highest quality patient care from pre-admission contact to post-surgical followup.
Watch video of the moments surrounding Jonathan's heart transplant.
Please call 773.880.4378 if you have any questions or if you wish to make an appointment to speak with a surgeon.