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The Children’s Hospital Heart Institute (TCHHI) is one of the fastest-growing pediatric cardiac programs in the country. Founded in 2002, TCHHI builds on Children’s thirty-year history of treating congenital and acquired heart disease in children; yet it offers a new model of care. TCHHI is directed by a committee led by hospital president and CEO Jim Shmerling, DHA, FACHE, and offers a highly integrated relationship of physicians, researchers and nursing staff. In addition to expert medical and surgical cardiac programs, the Heart Institute includes a wide array of special services—such as respiratory therapy, lab services, rehabilitation therapy services, nutrition, child life, pastoral care and social work—that provide families more continuity and focus on their needs and treatment experiences from diagnosis to discharge to rehabilitation.

The multi-disciplinary leadership of the Heart Institute is impressive. With the arrival of Francois Lacour-Gayet, MD, one of the world’s leading pediatric heart surgeons, new surgical interventions offer alternatives to transplantation, and minimally invasive techniques speed recovery and limit scarring. Edwardo DaCruz, MD, recruited from one of the world’s top programs in pediatric cardiac critical care, strengthens perioperative care for the most critical young patients. Dunbar Ivy, MD, an expert in pulmonary hypertension, leads a team of nationally recognized cardiologists. Focused cardiac nursing provides specific cardiac expertise and family support while results-producing research continues to advance treatment and improve outcomes.

In October 2007, The Children’s Hospital will open 1.5 million square feet of new facilities on the Fitzsimons Biomedical Campus, including more than 35,000 square feet available to cardiac programs, helping to keep TCHHI at the forefront of pediatric cardiac care.