Specialty Programs

There are times when a heart condition requires hospital care but doesn’t require intensive care support. Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital acute care cardiac unit is a step-down unit where patients receive care when they are well enough to leave intensive care but not well enough yet to go home.

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A multidisciplinary team of board-certified specialists from Inova Schar Heart and Vascular and Inova Children’s Heart Center collaborate to provide quality care for congenital heart disease at all stages. Patients have the advantage of seamless access to the collective expertise of Inova’s highly skilled pediatric and adult specialists in a single location, to improve outcomes and enhance quality of life.

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Inova Children’s Heart Center offers state of the art imaging technology including both cardiac MRI and CT imaging.

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Inova Children’s Heart Center offers state-of-the-art cardiac imaging to diagnose the unique medical and surgical needs of newborns, children and adults in a safe, family-friendly environment.

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Inova’s cardiac surgery program provides patients with a continuum of care that spans a lifetime. We perform a wide spectrum of surgeries for congenital heart defects in neonates, infants, children, teenagers and adults. Our goal is to deliver innovative surgical care in a compassionate, family-centric environment.

Multidisciplinary collaboration ensures the best care possible for every patient.

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At Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital, we believe that meeting the psychosocial needs of children and their families is an essential component of exceptional comprehensive care. Our Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) partner with physicians, nurses and the entire team to craft an experience that is not only comfortable and soothing, but also promotes healthy coping and healing strategies. For children who are scheduled for cardiac surgery, the Child Life team provides:

  • A pre-operative tour that includes a developmentally appropriate description of what to expect
  • Support during pre-op bloodwork, echocardiograms and other tests, as needed
  • Hands-on preparation and support through admission and each step of the surgical process
  • Our Child Life specialists also support children who come to the hospital for outpatient cardiac procedures.

Every year, the Inova Children’s Heart Center and the Child Life services team hold a picnic for current and former patients, their families, and staff. This event helps to foster a sense of community within the children's heart program and allows time for patients and staff to reconnect – forging life-long relationships between our staff and the families they are so privileged to serve.

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Inova Children’s Heart Center’s electrophysiology program provides a wide range of diagnostic and treatment options for children with known or suspected heart rhythm problems. As the largest outpatient program in Northern Virginia, we perform over 18,000 electrocardiograms and administer 1,200 heart monitors each year.

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Our exercise and fitness lab is designed just for kids, teens, and young adults. If you have symptoms while exercising, the exercise test can help us understand why and guide your doctor in deciding if treatment is needed.

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Inova Children’s Hospital Fetal Care Center provides prenatal consultation and pediatric care planning for pregnant women suspected or at risk of carrying a fetus with a congenital heart defect.

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Children with complex congenital cardiac disease are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental delays and disabilities. In 2012, the American Heart Association identified those infants at highest risk and recommended early screening and intervention in order to provide these children with the necessary resources to help them achieve their highest neurodevelopmental potential.

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Our outpatient (ambulatory) cardiology network throughout Northern Virginia and Maryland makes it easier for patients to receive the care they need close to home.

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Patients with congenital heart disease at Inova Children’s Hospital are cared for by a dedicated team of pediatric cardiac anesthesiologists who understand their unique physiology and needs. Our team of board-certified pediatric anesthesiologists and experienced CRNAs provide comprehensive anesthesia care for patients anywhere that anesthesia or sedation is required.

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Inova Children’s Cardiology is the only program in Northern Virginia to offer expert-level, family-centered care in identifying, treating and managing PH.

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The Inova Children’s Heart Center’s single ventricle program provides comprehensive care and support for families of infants with complex conditions such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome and shunt-dependent circulation that requires intervention in stages. The Single Ventricle Interstage Program bridges the gap between the child’s first and second heart procedures.

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