Pediatric Heart Disease Diagnostics and Imaging
At University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, we use the latest and most innovative imaging equipment and techniques to quickly and accurately diagnose the full range of cardiovascular conditions, so patients can receive treatment as quickly as possible. Thorough and highly sophisticated testing allows us to get an accurate picture of just what the problem is, and help us formulate the most effective plan for treating it.
The pediatric cardiac imaging technology at UH Rainbow is among the most advanced in the world. Our pediatric heart experts use these state-of-the-art capabilities to diagnosed the most complex heart conditions, provide insights into each patient’s unique anatomy, and improve patient outcomes.
Make an Appointment with a UH Rainbow Heart Specialist
To schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric heart experts, call 216-844-3528 or schedule online.
Advanced Cardiac Imaging Capabilities Leads to Better Outcomes
Our advanced cardiac imaging program offer the full range of cardiac imaging technology – including being one of the only programs in the state to offer cardiac stress MRI and one of a select few in the country to offer fetal cardiac MRI. Other imaging technology we offer includes echocardiography, cardiac CT, cardiac MRI, fetal echo, and 3-D printing capabilities.
This cutting-edge technology helps specialists by providing them with the clearest possible picture of a patient’s complex anatomy. Our technology allows pediatric cardiologists to create 2-D and 3-D roadmaps to help guide, place and manipulate catheters during a procedure. With 3-D models, surgeons can plan interventions well in advance of the actual procedures and create a customized surgical approach best suited for the individual patient.
Having this information can also help reduce time in the OR, improve quality of care and patient safety, enhance patient and family education and ultimately improve outcomes.
Our Imaging Technology
Our pediatric cardiologists perform the cardiac imaging tests and work closely across our specialized pediatric team at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s for any diagnostic need. Our team of experts work side by side to provide specialized care to our young patients and their families.
Our diagnostic tests and procedures include:
Non-invasive Imaging
- Advanced 3-D imaging
-
Unlike the flat, limited views provided by conventional 2-D imaging, 3-D cardiac imaging providing a more precise representation of the length, width and height of the heart, using cardiac imaging capabilities such as CT and MRI. This provides a more detailed view of the heart from every angle for better diagnosis and surgical planning.
- Advanced 3-D modeling
-
Using 3-D imaging and 3-D printing capabilities, our pediatric heart specialists can provide detailed and precise modelling of each patient’s unique anatomy. This provides the cardiac intervention and surgical teams with an enhanced view that will help them develop an individualized treatment approach.
- Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI)
-
This imaging technology uses a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create detailed 3-D pictures of a patient’s heart anatomy and showing how the heart and arteries function.
- Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan
-
This technology uses X-rays to create detailed 2-D images of the heart and blood vessels, which can then be compiled to form a 3-D image.
- Echocardiogram (echo)
-
This imaging technology uses sound waves to create a picture of a child’s heart. It is more detailed that an X-ray, is non-invasive and painless, and does not use radiation, so it is entirely safe.
- Fetal echocardiogram
-
This specialized ultrasound test provides a detailed evaluation of the position, size, structure and function of the fetal heart during pregnancy. The allows for early diagnosis of congenital heart conditions before a baby is born so that it can be addressed as soon as possible for the best outcomes – either in utero or soon after the baby is born, if necessary. UH Rainbow is the only fetal heart disease program in Northeast Ohio to offer early fetal echocardiograms at 12 – 16 weeks of pregnancy.
- Fetal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (fetal CMR)
-
Fetal CMR is an advanced diagnostic imaging test that can supplement a fetal echo when diagnosing congenital heart disease during pregnancy. This non-invasive technology can be performed in the third trimester, when it becomes harder to use a fetal echo to visualize and diagnose problems in the fetal heart. This procedure uses a specialized ultrasound machine that finds the fetal heart so the MRI machine can take pictures of it. UH Rainbow is one of the few centers in the country with the technology and expertise to perform fetal CMR.
- Stress echocardiogram
-
This test combines a stress test with an echocardiogram to evaluate how the heart functions during various levels of exercise and to diagnose potential coronary disease conditions in children.
- Cardiac MRI stress test
-
This test uses MRI imaging technology to take pictures of your child’s heart and blood vessels to see how blood flows in the heart and whether it is receiving an adequate blood supply. Your child will be given medication to speed up the heart rate and simulate exercise. The cardiac MRI stress test can diagnose coronary artery issues and other congenital heart conditions.
- Transesophageal echocardiography
-
This technology uses an endoscope guided into the esophagus to evaluate the heart and blood vessels using sound waves. TEE is usually performed while the child is under sedation.
Invasive Imaging in cardiac catheterization laboratory
- Cardiac catheterization
-
This procedure uses a thin flexible tube (catheter) that is guided to the heart via a blood vessel to diagnose and treat heart conditions in children.
- Device implantation and management
-
This can include the implantation of devices such as the loop recorder or cardiac event recorder, which is implanted under the skin of the chest and records the heartbeat continuously for up to three years.
- Electrocardiography (ECG)
-
An ECG or EKG uses electrodes to evaluate the heart’s electrical activity and rhythm.
- Electrophysiology procedures
-
These procedures examine and treat the heart’s electrical system, and may include electrophysiology (EP) studies, catheter ablation, cardioversion, radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation.
- Exercise testing
-
Examines heart activity while the child is exercising.
- Holter and Event monitors
-
Portable electrocardiogram (ECG) that records the electrical activity of the heart over an extended period of time.
- Tilt table testing
-
With this test, the patient lies flat on a table while their heart rate and blood pressure is monitored. The table will then be tilted at an angle to observe any changes.
Convenient Clinic Locations Across Northeast Ohio
We offer a comprehensive range of non-invasive prenatal diagnostic testing at our main campus and at the majority of our clinics across Northeast Ohio to provide for exceptional patient access and convenience. Our clinic locations are staffed by pediatric cardiologists, cardiac nurse practitioners as well as our highly dedicated team of cardiac nurses, medical assistants and sonographers. These specially trained nurses offer assistance to physicians, patient and family during patient visits, help during patient follow-ups and often provide testing results when not available during the routine visit in person, by telephone or via online services.
Your child’s health is important. Get expert care.
To schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric heart experts, call
216-844-3528.
UH Rainbow is recognized as a Level I Children’s Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), reserved for hospitals that meet the highest standards for quality care, safety, staffing, training, data collection and infrastructure. This quality indicator means that we are focused to prevent complications, hold down costs and improve patient outcomes.