Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery

Leading Pediatric Heart & Chest Surgeons at UCLA Health

At UCLA, our Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery Program offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for infants, children, and adolescents with congenital (present at birth) heart conditions. Our team of expert surgeons, physicians, and researchers continuously works to develop and refine innovative treatments, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in pediatric heart surgery.

Program Highlights

• Expert Surgeons: Our pediatric cardiac surgeons perform more than 350 congenital heart surgeries each year, many of which take place in the first month of life.
• Wide Range of Procedures: From the most routine to the most complex operations—including the Norwood procedure, the arterial switch, and the Ross procedure—we have the expertise to address your child’s specific needs.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: Cardiologists, intensive care physicians, nurses, social workers, and other specialists collaborate daily to ensure each child receives customized, compassionate care.
• Top-Ranked Facilities: Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center provides an ideal environment for families, especially when a fetal heart condition is diagnosed in utero. Mothers and infants receive coordinated care throughout pregnancy, delivery, and beyond.

World-Class Pediatric Heart Care, Close to Home

When a child is diagnosed with a heart condition, families want access to the best possible care. That’s why Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital have partnered to create the CHOC-UCLA Mattel Children’s Congenital Heart Program—a collaboration that enhances access to leading-edge pediatric cardiac care across Southern California.

Comprehensive Surgical Expertise

• Norwood procedure for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
• Arterial switch for transposition of the great arteries
• Ross procedure to replace a diseased aortic valve

Our extensive experience ensures we can handle a variety of complex heart conditions, offering hope and advanced treatment options for families.

Fetal Heart Diagnosis and Care

If your baby is diagnosed before birth with a heart condition, our specialists work closely with you to plan for delivery and any necessary interventions. We provide:

• Education on what to expect before, during, and after surgery
• Emotional support for families navigating a congenital heart diagnosis
• Access to social workers, nurse practitioners, and other resources to ease the transition to postnatal care

Pediatric Heart Transplant Program

UCLA is proud to have the nation’s largest Pediatric Heart Transplant Program, performing over 25 pediatric heart transplants each year. Because we are a leading transplant center, we also excel in mechanical support treatments for children awaiting transplants, including:

• ECMO (Extracorporeal Mechanical Oxygenation)
• Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs)

These lifesaving technologies help stabilize patients with severe heart failure, ensuring the best possible outcomes while awaiting a donor heart.

Transitioning to Adult Care

Our care doesn’t stop when children grow up. Many adults with congenital heart conditions may need additional surgeries or follow-up procedures. Our Adult Congenital Heart Surgery Program:

• Serves adults who have undergone childhood heart operations and need updates or revisions
• Provides surgical options for adults diagnosed later in life with congenital heart issues
• Helps improve the function of previous repairs and overall quality of life

Our Expert Team

Our team includes renowned pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, and specialized support staff dedicated to providing the best possible outcomes for every patient. 

Meet the Team

Contact Us

For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call:
(310) 206-1161