Cardiac Surgery

Excellent surgical outcomes, no matter the heart condition

With more than 26 decades of collective experience shaped by a firm dedication to always improve the care of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), Boston Children’s Department of Cardiac Surgery never hesitates to take on the most difficult and rare cases as well as the most common ones.

Year after year, the excellent outcomes of the more than 1,000 surgeries we annually perform validate our commitment to specialized heart care. We routinely operate on children whose conditions are deemed too complex for other heart centers and on children with common conditions whose families seek the best cardiac care.

Whether it’s for complex conditions such as single-ventricle defects and heart anatomies, pulmonary vein stenosis, and aortic valve disease, or for more common conditions such as complete atrioventricular (AV) canal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, and septal defects — we achieve favorable outcomes while treating more than four times as many patients than most pediatric heart centers in North America.

Guided by experience and expertise — and aided by technology — we treat the most complex and most common pediatric heart conditions and have some of the best success rates in the world. Find out more about those favorable outcomes and how our approach to care includes an emphasis on safe surgeries and quick patient recoveries.

See our surgical outcomes

Specialized surgical treatment and care for heart patients

Because our cardiac surgeons focus on specific areas of the heart, our team has the expertise and knowledge to prepare comprehensive and effective individualized treatment plans for patients — no matter the complexity of the conditions involved. Because of that expertise, we also have an ability to push the boundaries of what was previously possible in each of our surgical specialties.

Team-based cardiac care that focuses on the patient experience

From your family’s first visit through surgery and recovery, you’ll work with a team of professionals who are committed to supporting you child’s medical, physical, and emotional needs, making your experience as manageable as possible.

Because the experience and knowledge of our surgeons and staff overlap in many areas, our department is able to focus as a team on each patient. Our collective approach to care ensures that no stone is left unturned and that our many experts can together shape each patient’s treatment and recovery. We also work in collaboration with other specialists and programs within the Benderson Family Heart Center, as well as other departments throughout Boston Children’s. We also coordinate with patients’ local physicians and heart specialists to ensure continuity of care.

Advanced pediatric cardiac services

We have been at the forefront of pediatric heart surgery since 1938, when our department performed the first operation to correct a congenital heart defect. Our department has grown considerably since then; we now specialize in 12 major areas of cardiac care. Click on any of the surgical programs below to see how we strive to put patients in the best position for a lifetime of good health.

First-of-their kind care initiatives that set us apart

Surgical treatment is more than the operation itself. It’s also about creating the most effective surgical plans, improving procedures in the operating room, and helping patients quickly and fully recover from surgery with minimal complications. Our department is behind several first-of-their kind initiatives that vastly enhance our ability to prepare for surgery, perform a procedure, and ensure patients heal. Explore these care initiatives to see how we make surgery a seamless process.

Surgical electrophysiology

Cardiovascular 3D Modeling

Clinicians gather around screen to review images of the heart

Enhanced recovery

Boy rides tricycle down hallway of unit, with nurse following him

Connect with the Heart Center on social media

Follow the Benderson Family Heart Center on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay up to date with the latest cardiac surgery happenings, videos, and announcements.

Spencer’s hair has its own personality, making him the star of many photos. 📸 As he waits for a #HeartTransplant in our Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Spencer and his adorable hair — not to mention his smile 😁 — lift the spirits of his parents and care team. We’re with you all the way, Spencer! ❤️

Learn more about our Division of Advanced Cardiac Therapies at the link in our bio. 🔗