Pediatric Heart Surgery
When your child needs heart surgery, turn to us for advanced options and compassionate care designed just for children and families.
Medically reviewed by Gary Raff, M.D. on Jan. 09, 2026.
World-Class Pediatric Heart Surgery
UC Davis Health is home to two of the region’s only full-time pediatric heart surgeons. You can count on us for expert care of infants, children and adolescents with present-at-birth (congenital) and acquired heart problems.
We also have the largest, most experienced pediatric heart team. Your child benefits from the expertise of specialists in cardiology, heart surgery, anesthesiology, imaging and nursing, all of whom specialize in the needs of children.
On this page
Types of Pediatric Heart Surgery We Offer
We offer a broad range of procedures to address common and complex heart problems in children.
Congenital Heart Anomaly Repair
We correct congenital heart defects, including underdeveloped chambers, blood flow issues and unusual vessel connections.
Closing Holes in the Heart Wall (ASD and VSD Repair)
Pediatric heart surgeons close openings between your child’s upper or lower heart chambers so blood flows correctly through them.
Heart Valve Surgery
Our team repairs or replaces heart valves that don’t open or close properly to help your child’s heart pump more effectively.
Minimally Invasive Pulmonary Valve Replacement
We use the Melody® valve to replace a damaged pulmonary valve through a small incision, avoiding the need for immediate open-heart surgery.
Pacemaker Placement
If there is an irregular heartbeat, pediatric heart surgeons implant small devices that help your child’s heart keep a steady rhythm. We are the first in the world to implant a dual-chamber leadless pacemaker in a child.
Chest Wall Repair
We correct a sunken chest (pectus excavatum) or one that sticks out (pectus carinatum) to improve both appearance and breathing.
Request an Appointment
As Sacramento's No. 1 hospital, you'll benefit from unique advantages in primary care and specialty care. This includes prevention, diagnosis and treatment options from experts in 150 specialties.
Referring Physicians
To refer a patient, submit an electronic referral form or call.
Patients
Call to make an appointment.
Consumer Resource Center
Heart Surgery in Children: What to Expect
We take extra steps to care for your child from their first appointment through early recovery.
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Before Heart Surgery
We explain the type of procedure your child needs and how it can help them feel better. Specialized diagnostic testing gives us clear images of your child’s heart, helping us plan precise procedures.
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During Heart Surgery in Children
Highly skilled pediatric heart surgeons perform your child’s operation. Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive techniques that rely on small incisions and cause less disruption to healthy tissue.
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After Heart Surgery
Pediatric heart nurses and recovery staff care for your child right after surgery. Before discharge, we explain what comes next and how to help your child continue healing at home.
Home Care After Pediatric Heart Surgery
When your child is home, small steps each day play an important role in helping them heal.
Incision Care
Keep the incision clean and dry. Avoid lotions or ointments until the wound has fully healed.
Daily Activity Modification
Your child’s heart and surrounding tissue need time to heal. Help them avoid heavy lifting, wearing a backpack, riding a bike and rough play during this time.
Emotional Support
Many children feel tired or moody after heart surgery, so be aware of this and what you can to help them feel more comfortable.
Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in pediatric nephrology, orthopedics*, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in aortic valve surgery, back surgery (spinal fusion), COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, gynecological cancer surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart failure, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pacemaker implantation, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, cancer, orthopedics, gastroenterology & GI surgery, and urology.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~59 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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