Heart Institute News

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Project ADAM Outreach Initiative Saves Lives – Five and Counting!

September 16, 2024 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Heart Institute is leading a community initiative aimed at preventing sudden cardiac death, a leading cause of death among adults and children nationwide. In the last 18 months, the program has provided training to address sudden cardiac arrest events for staff at all 332 Miami-Dade County Public Schools, as well as an array of private and charter schools in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

At the Leading Edge of Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization

December 18, 2023 – Widely recognized as a world leader in pediatric interventional cardiac catheterization, the team at the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Heart Institute not only utilizes the most advanced devices, procedures, and treatments, they also ensure families remain the focus by actively communicating. This includes calling a patient's parents "every hour while the procedure takes place,” Dr. Prieto says. “This happens for every patient, every day."

Nicklaus Children's Broadens Treatment Options for Congenital Heart Disease Patients with Minimally Invasive Therapy

November 18, 2021 – The Heart Institute at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is now offering pulmonary valve replacement via cardiac catheterization with the recently FDA-approved Harmony valve.

Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy: Tad's Story

August 10, 2020 – Over the last two years, Theodore “Tad” Hartrick has spent months at a time at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Like Tad, there are many children in the state and in the nation who rely on access to pediatric care and Medicaid funding. Here is a message from the Hartrick family in support of this year’s Speak Now For Kids Family Advocacy Week campaign.

The Heart Institute at Nicklaus Children's Acquires FDA-Approved Amplatzer Piccolo™ Occluder to Perform Non-Surgical Closures of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in Premature Infants in its Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

May 28, 2020 – The Heart Institute now offers the recently FDA-approved Amplatzer Piccolo™ Occluder to close PDAs in very premature babies in the Cath Lab. This self-expanding, wire mesh device is designed specifically to fit within the PDA of very low weight preemies with little risk of interference with adjacent structures.

Cardiac surgery patients reunite for celebration

February 20, 2019 – The annual Heart Institute Patient and Family Reunion gives patients and caregivers the chance to reunite outside the clinical setting. A big thank you to all of our heart warriors for attending each year!

Does Your Baby Have an Undetected Heart Disorder?

January 29, 2019 – Eight of every 1,000 babies will be born with a heart disorder or defect. These conditions cannot be identified during a typical newborn screening. Parents need to be aware about the early signs, screenings and treatment options for babies born with congenital heart conditions.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital Selects Dicom Systems, WinguMD for Enterprise Mobile Clinical Collaboration Platform

November 23, 2018 – In order to better integrate clinical communications over mobile, Nicklaus Children's sought to implement a secure, centralized platform to capture and share clinical photos inside their EHR. WinguMD provided sharing and indexing of serial clinical photos across care teams as well as comparison with pathology, wound care and other imaging. Unifier by Dicom Systems served as the integration engine for workflow and interoperability.

New anesthesia offering helps cardiac patients recover faster and with less pain

July 05, 2018 – In this news story Dr. Kristine Guleserian, renowned heart surgeon, talk about Exparel. Exparel is a new anesthesia offering that helps cardiac patients recover faster and with less pain after heart surgery. 13 year-old Jessica Garcia, born with a congenital heart defect (VSD) was the first pediatric patient to use this treatment.

Nicklaus Children's Heart Program Joins CNOC

May 30, 2018 – The Nicklaus Children’s Heart Institute is now a member of the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative (CNOC).

Duchenne Regional Family Summit

December 02, 2017 – CureDuchenne Cares and The Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Brain Institute hosted a free educational and social event for Duchenne family and caregivers. Attendees were able to learn about important DMD care topics, share their practical advice and connect with other families.

Nicklaus Children’s Opens Subspecialty Care Center in Boynton Beach

November 07, 2017 – The Boynton Beach Care Center is the newest Nicklaus Children’s care location and offers a range of services for children from birth through 21 years of age.

Infants airlifted to Nicklaus Children's Hospital from Puerto Rico after hurricane

October 03, 2017 – It was a race against time to save three critical babies, all of whom would have died in Puerto Rico if they didn't get the surgeries that they needed at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami.

Teenager urges parents to get EKG testing for children who play sports

July 21, 2017 – A South Florida teenager went for a simple EKG test at Nicklaus Children's Hospital when he was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, also known as WPW.

EKG Screening Event at Mary Collins Community Center

February 16, 2017 – Congratulations to the Nicklaus Children's Hospital Cardiac Team for providing free EKG screenings.

The International Society for Nomenclature of Paediatric and Congenital Heart Disease's Annual Meeting

January 11, 2017 – Congratulations to Heart Program physicians, Leo Lopez & Kristine Guleserian, on hosting the International Society for Nomenclature of Paediatric and Congenital Heart Disease's Annual Meeting.

Free Heart Screening Event

November 23, 2016 – The Jessica Clinton MVP Foundation hosted a free heart screening event on Saturday at the Florida Department of Health in Port St. Lucie. The Heart Program's own Dr. David Drossner supported this event as a pediatric heart expert.

EKG Screening at St. Brendan Elementary School

November 21, 2016 – This week the Nicklaus Children's Hospital Cardiac Team in conjunction with The Breanna Vergara Foundation held a free EKG screening event at St Brendan Elementary School. Over 200 students from grades 4-8 were screened.

Dr. Marisa Azaret Nominated for Sentinel Award

August 26, 2016 – Dr. Marisa Azaret has been nominated, along with her production team for a 2016 Sentinel Award. She is among fourteen finalists from across the U.S. nominated for a 2016 Sentinel Award.

EKG Screening Event at Miami Dancity School

June 20, 2016 – Nicklaus Children’s Heart Program, in conjunction with @theBreannaVergaraFoundation, recently hosted an EKG4Bre free screening event at Miami Dancity School to help identify dancers at risk for heart anomalies that can lead to sudden cardiac death (SCD).

The Legacy of Dr. Richard Zakheim Honored at Street Dedication Ceremony

April 29, 2016 – Southwest 60th Court between southwest 30th street to southwest 33rd street has been designated "Dr. Richard Zakheim Way"

Heart Program Patient Reunion 2016

February 24, 2016 – It was a "heartfelt" reunion for dozens of pediatric cardiac patients and their families who celebrated with the doctors, nurses and care teams that treated them. 

The Heart Program's hosts Pediatric Echocardiography Symposium

December 02, 2015 – On Saturday, November 14th, The Heart Program at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, hosted the "All Florida Pediatric Echo Symposium". 

Dr. Anthony Rossi Honored with Proclamation by the Miami-Dade County School Board

August 05, 2015 – Dr. Anthony Rossi, Director of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, was honored with a proclamation by the Miami-Dade County School Board today for his work with the hospital’s Free EKG Screening program.

The Nicklaus Children's Hospital Heart Program Hosts First 'Patient and Family Education Day'

November 19, 2014 – NCH holds its first Patient and Family Education Day for families of children with congenital heart defects (CHD).

Athletes from Belen Jesuit Preparatory School Receive Free EKG Screenings at Miami Children's Hospital

October 14, 2014 – Athletes from Belen Jesuit Preparatory School Receive Free EKG Screenings at Miami Children's Hospital.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital Ranked Once Again Amongst Best Children's Hospital by U.S. News & World Report

June 21, 2023 – Five Nicklaus Children’s Hospital specialty programs are again identified among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report in its 2023-24 “Best Children’s Hospitals” survey results. No other hospital in South Florida has more ranked programs.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and Miami-Dade County Public Schools Team Up to Help in the Event of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

February 07, 2023 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) are collaborating to prepare school employees to respond quickly and efficiently should students, family members of school staff experience sudden cardiac arrest.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital Announces Historic Gift from Citadel Founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin

January 31, 2023 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital received a $25 million gift from Citadel founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin will support the new five-story, 127,000-square-foot surgical tower opening in 2024. In recognition of this historic gift, it will be named the Kenneth C. Griffin Surgical Tower. The donation will enhance pediatric care for children in Florida and beyond for generations to come.

Leaders Gather to Celebrate Opening of Nicklaus Children’s Pediatric Specialists at Alton Road

September 15, 2022 – Community leaders and Nicklaus Children's Health System Representatives gathered for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of a new pediatric specialty office in Miami Beach. The center, Nicklaus Children’s Pediatric Specialists at Alton Road, offers pediatric specialty appointments, including fetal and pediatric cardiology and gastroenterology services, Monday through Friday.

14 U.S. Institutions, Including Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Join $4.9 Million Patient-Centered Study of Adult Congenital Heart Disease

April 13, 2022 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is partnering with institutions around the United States to study how gaps in health care affect the health and well-being of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Nicklaus Children's Hospital Earns National Recognition for Efforts to Improve Cardiac Arrest Survival in Neonates and Infants

August 31, 2021 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Resuscitation Quality Gold Achievement Award in the neonate and infant category for a second year in a row, due to its commitment to treating in-hospital cardiac arrest, and ultimately helping to improve patient survival rates.

From the Operating Room to the Classroom; Healthcare Technology on Display for College Students

June 03, 2021 – During a two-day demonstration held in April at the University of Florida, anatomy students were able to observe and dissect 3D printed organs, including 40 heart models donated by Stratasys, maker of the J750 Digital Anatomy ™ Printer. The students also had the opportunity to see and learn about the structures of the heart up close with the ApoQlar HoloLens2 mixed-reality glasses.

Nicklaus Children's Innovates with Latest Immersive Technology to Support Planning of Congenital Heart Procedures and Medical Education

April 08, 2021 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is taking a lead globally in using the latest immersive technology to advance surgical care planning, and patient education. The hospital’s Cardiovascular Surgery Advanced Projects Laboratory (APL) is now using emerging mixed reality technology to support planning of complex congenital heart procedures and help patient families visualize how the surgical team will conduct repairs. The technology is also being used to support clinical classroom learning in association with medical education partners.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital's Heart Program Renamed to Heart Institute

March 23, 2021 – The Heart Program at Nicklaus Children's Hospital is changing its name to the Heart Institute, a name that conveys its commitment and dedication to offering the next level of clinical care to children and families everywhere.

The Heart Institute at Nicklaus Children's Hospital Welcomes Congenital Heart Surgeon Dr. Robert Hanfland

June 18, 2020 – Dr. Robert Hanfland, congenital heart surgeon, has joined The Heart Institute at Nicklaus Children's Hospital.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital Pediatric Specialty Services Again Ranked Among the Best in the Nation

June 16, 2020 – Five Nicklaus Children’s Hospital specialty programs are again identified among the best in the nation, according to U.S.News & World Report’s 2020-21 “Best Children’s Hospitals” rankings, posted online today.

Seven Nicklaus Children's Hospital Pediatric Specialty Services Again Ranked Among the Best in the Nation

June 19, 2019 – Seven Nicklaus Children's Hospital specialty programs are again identified among the best in the nation, according to U.S.News & World Report's 2019-20 “Best Children's Hospitals” rankings. Nicklaus Children's has more ranked pediatric programs than any other hospital in Florida.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Recognized for Excellence in Patient Care

December 28, 2017 – Nicklaus Children’s has more inpatient units recognized with Beacon Awards than any other children’s hospital in the nation.

Patients Medically Evacuated from Puerto Rico to Nicklaus Children's Hospital After Hurricane Maria

October 02, 2017 – A week after Hurricane Maria devastated the Island of Puerto Rico as a category five storm, three patients awaiting complex heart surgeries were evacuated for medical reasons from University Children's Hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico to Nicklaus Children’s for critical care.

Nicklaus Children's Becomes First Pediatric Facility in Southeast- and Second in the World- To Use GPS-Like Technology During Cardiac Procedures

January 16, 2017 – The MediGuide technology may be used to aid a physician in navigating delivery tools and catheters in the cardiac anatomy during implantable device procedures, such as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) cases, which helps restore a patient’s heart rhythm back to normal and protects against sudden cardiac death for CRT device patients

Renowned Heart Surgeon Kristine J. Guleserian, MD, Joins The Heart Program at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital

January 04, 2017 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital welcomes world-renowned congenital heart surgeon, Kristine J. Guleserian, MD, to The Heart Program. Dr. Guleserian supports The Heart Program’s robust congenital heart surgery offerings.

Nicklaus Children's Moves Patients into its New Advanced Pediatric Care Pavilion

October 26, 2016 – The Advanced Pediatric Care Pavilion, a six-story, state-of-the-art bed tower now houses the hospital's three intensive care units, the neurology-neurosurgery unit and a cardiac intensive care unit, among other enhancements.

All Three Nicklaus Children's Intensive Care Units Recognized with Gold Beacon Awards

May 10, 2016 – National three-year awards recognize exceptional patient care and a healthy work environment.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital Heart Program Hosts National Conference on 'Sudden Death in the Young'

February 22, 2016 – Pediatric cardiologists from throughout North America will focus on identification and treatment of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome and medical conditions that can lead to sudden cardiac death in children and teens.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital hosts "Evolution or Revolution? Disruptive Thinking and Innovation in Pediatric Heart Disease" Medical Conference

November 16, 2015 –

The Heart Program at Nicklaus Children's will host a Medical Conference on technology and innovation in the treatment of pediatric heart disease.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Acquires 3D Printer to Support Pediatric Surgical Planning and Research

May 27, 2015 – The hospital’s use of 3D printing technology has proven to be instrumental in creating surgical solutions for children with complex congenital heart defects, who had been considered to be inoperable using conventional imaging techniques.

The Heart Program Welcomes Gil Wernovsky, MD, FAAP, FACC to the Medical Staff at Nicklaus Children's Hospital

December 03, 2013 – The Heart Program Welcomes Gil Wernovsky, MD, FAAP, FACC to the Medical Staff at Nicklaus Children's Hospital

Miami Children's Hospital Recognized as Optum Center of Excellence for 2013

November 08, 2013 – As a member of the Centers of Excellence network, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, formerly Miami Children's Hospital, is recognized for having met or exceeded rigorous performance standards and quality guidelines.

The Heart Program Posts Real-Time Congenital Heart Surgical Results Online

October 07, 2013 – The Heart Program at MCH has linked its cardiac surgical outcomes data with the hospital’s new electronic medical record and the CardioAccess Centripitus database and dynamically linked these results to the hospital’s website in real-time.

Miami Children's Heart Program Designated an Aetna Institute of Quality®

June 07, 2013 – Miami Children’s Hospital has been designated an Aetna Institute of Quality® Cardiac Care Facility for comprehensive heart and vascular treatment.

New Technology offers Hope for Children Born with Heart Defects

February 24, 2013 – Use of CorMatrix extracellular matrix material provides new options for cardiac care.

Telemedicine Brings Congenital Heart Institute’s Unique Cardiac MRI Expertise Daily to Patients in Orlando

June 02, 2010 – Pediatric and adult congenital heart patients in Orlando are benefiting from a new telemedicine connection that is making cardiac MRI services more accessible to patients.

Congenital Heart Institute at Miami Children's Hospital Offers First Patient-Accessible Electronic Medical Record

August 31, 2006 – Miami Children’s Hospital has become one of the first healthcare programs in the nation to offer patient families access to an electronic medical record, providing a secure source of detailed information that families can refer to and make available in the future to physicians who become involved in their child’s care. 

Research Study Begins on Promising ON-Q Post-Surgical Pain Relief Device, New for Pediatric Patients

February 17, 2004 – ​Research to test the efficacy of ON-Q's continuous surgical-cite pain relief for pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery, the goal is to help patients get out of the hospital and return to their normal lives faster.