The heart can be a tricky contraption. It’s not only the hardest-working muscle in the body, constantly pumping blood to help all of the internal systems to function properly, but the heart also represents our emotional core. A heart can sing, cry, smile, and laugh—and is forever associated with love. That’s why when your child’s heart needs care, you need a provider like the Heart Center at Primary Children’s Hospital, one that understands exactly what it takes—both physically and emotionally—to heal a broken heart.

For starters, with surgery survival rates that rank in the top 10% in the nation, the Heart Center has developed an international reputation for excellence. Both Parents magazine and US News & World Report recognize the Heart Center as one of the best pediatric cardiac care providers in the country, providing consistently excellent outcomes at consistently lower costs.

Much of the Center’s success can be attributed to our unique team approach, where cardiologists, surgeons, and other medical specialists from across the board work together to consider the entire spectrum of a patient’s needs. Considering care from all angles allows us to tailor a treatment plan for each individual patient, which aligns perfectly with the hospital’s philosophy, “The Child, First and Always.” Our commitment to patient-centered care has led us to constantly push for treatment improvements and has guided us to focus on services that fully support both the medical and emotional needs of our patients and their families.

Impressive Outcomes

The collaboration between our cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, medical specialists, staff members, and researchers has allowed the Heart Center to remain on the cutting edge of pediatric heart procedures and treatments. Our forward-thinking approach to providing care means that we look to innovation—both in technology and through the development of progressive programs—to better serve patients.

• Our cardiothoracic surgery program is one of the busiest in the nation. 521 heart surgeries, including 305 pump cases, were performed in 2013, with a 98.1% survival rate.
• Our 40+ physicians and 300+ staff members allow us to offer comprehensive heart care—from outpatient visits to heart transplants.
• The Heart Center serves patients of all ages—from fetuses to adults with congenital heart disease.
• With such a sterling reputation and track record of positive outcomes, the Heart Center continues to treat patients from all over Utah, the Intermountain West, the United States, and even the world
• .Our Cath Lab performed over 800 interventional and electrophysiology procedures last year, making us one of the most busiest labs in the country.
• Our Cardiac Genetics Program specializes in the management of patients with heritable cardiovascular conditions.
• Our Fetal Heart Program greatly improves the care of infants with congenital heart disease through early detection of fetal heart conditions, prenatal planning, and expedient management after birth.
• Our High Risk Program provides consistent care and follow-up for single ventricle patients during the interstage period between surgeries.
• In 2010, the Heart Center first implemented the game-changing Melody Valve procedure, which allows a patient’s pulmonary valve to be replaced with a catheter instead of open heart surgery. The Heart Center is the only pediatric facility in the Intermountain West with a Melody Valve program. We have now completed the minimally invasive procedure over 60 times, with excellent outcomes.

Compassionate Care

The Heart Center understands that the process of healing hearts involves more than just surgery. Follow-up care, emotional support, and services for families all play key roles in the healing process. Our compassionate care includes comprehensive Patient and Family Support services that utilize medical social workers, child life specialists, music therapists, interfaith chaplains and over 900 volunteers to engage patients and family members with therapeutic activities, positive distractions from painful procedures, and social support to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. We work hard, not only to keep our patients alive, but to help them enjoy life.

The Heart Center also works hard to support the parents and siblings during patients’ hospital stays, including giving them access to the Ronald McDonald family room, which includes a home-like environment, showers, a kitchen, a laundry area, and a business area with internet access.

Having a child with a congenital or other heart condition is certainly scary, but there is hope for today and the future. The innovative new treatments and medical expertise offered by the Heart Center—backed by compassionate, supportive care— ensure that your child will get the absolute best care available. The beat of life will go on.