As congenital heart disorders are among the most common birth defects, South Florida families are fortunate that one of the nation’s undisputed best and most innovative programs for pediatric cardiac care is expanding on its legacy of leadership in the region.
The Heart Institute at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is the only pediatric hospital in South Florida with cardiology/cardiovascular surgery programs recognized by U.S. News and World Report. It draws families from near and far in search of leading-edge care. The program has been ranked by U.S. News every year since the publication first began listing the “Best Children’s Hospitals” for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery in 2008 and is the only program in the region to hold this distinction.
The Heart Institute has it all, from the depth and experience of its clinical teams to new family-friendly surgical facilities, a state-of-the-art inpatient unit with family accommodations, and growing network of outpatient cardiology and fetal care offices in more than 11 locations throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties. Our newest location recently opened in the City of Davie.
Clinical Excellence
The Heart Institute has a long tradition of excellence and innovation, serving
as pioneers in less invasive procedures and minimally invasive methods to address heart
anomalies in babies and children. Overall, surgical outcomes exceed national benchmarks.
Comprehensive Team
The clinical team includes a full range of pediatric heart specialists collaborating under one roof, including pediatric cardiologists, fetal cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, interventionists, cardiac anesthesiologists, cardiac intensivists, electrophysiologic, and much more.
Our Stories
For decades, stories of lives made better thanks to the Heart Institute have received national and local media attention. Many featured patients include those with complex heart conditions found their way to Nicklaus Children’s from all parts of the country, and the world, for lifesaving care.
Madison, a Miami-Dade resident who was born with a rare congenital heart defect called
truncus arteriosus, had surgery at Nicklaus Children’s at just 4-days old. Madison is now
advocating for other congenital heart patients in the community. The former Miss City of Miami Teen USA and aspiring pediatric cardiac ICU nurse thanks the Heart Institute for mending her heart and giving her the best chance at a healthy life. Read Madison’s success story here.
Family-Friendly Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit is staffed by an entire team of doctors and nurses devoted to the care of pediatric heart conditions ranging from minor to the most medically-complex. The unit includes private and spacious patient care rooms that allow parents to stay comfortably at the bedside.
Supporting Heart Health in the Community
Nicklaus Children’s is recognized for its leadership in supporting heart health in South Florida. The Heart Institute’s sports EKG screening program has provided free EKG screenings to more than 75,000 young athletes in South Florida. As part of its Project Adam program, Nicklaus Children’s has trained staff at all Miami-Dade Public Schools and many private schools throughout the region on how to respond to a sudden cardiac arrest event.
Heart Institute Nurse Navigators
Increasingly, babies with heart anomalies are identified prior to birth. Nicklaus Children’s patient navigators help guide families, ease anxieties, answer questions, and coordinate care for parents expecting a baby with a cardiac defect.
Convenient Heart Clinics Throughout South Florida
Nicklaus Children’s offers consultations with pediatric and fetal cardiologists at more than 11 South Florida locations, extending from Miami-Dade to Martin and Palm Beach counties.
