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Cardiac Center

Continuing Medical Education

The Continuing Medical Education (CME) department offers more than 25 conferences each year on a variety of topics, see a list of our current offerings.

Fetal Heart Program

The Fetal Heart Program at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia specializes in the detection, evaluation and management of congenital heart disease prior to a baby's birth.

We perform more than 2,000 echocardiographic studies annually, making us one of the largest fetal heart programs in the U.S.

Heart disease is the most common congenital condition affecting newborns; it is also one of the most complex. Your obstetrician/gynecologist can rely on the training and expertise of the Fetal Heart team to provide an accurate diagnosis and detailed treatment recommendations.Our offerings include:

Expert evaluation and diagnosis of fetal heart anomalies
Planning for delivery
Delivery in the Special Delivery Unit , a first-of-its-kind birthing center exclusively for pregnant women carrying babies with a known birth defect
Complete care of your newborn after birth
Access to the full Cardiac Center team and the most advanced treatments available
Outcomes that are among the best in the world
A wealth of support to help your family manage and celebrate the arrival of its newest member.

We remain in close and frequent contact with your obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) to plan the best delivery options and subsequent care for your baby.

Your visit to the Fetal Heart Program

During your initial visit to Children's Hospital, you will receive:

A fetal echocardiogram (a safe, noninvasive ultrasound is used to assess the structure and function of an unborn baby's heart) and analysis by a fetal cardiologist specializing in heart disease in unborn babies.
Consultation with the fetal cardiologist, with ample time for questions and answers.
Ongoing patient education and coordination of resources by a dedicated Fetal Heart Program nurse.
Consultations with other Cardiac Center and Children's Hospital services, as needed, including cardiothoracic surgery, maternal-fetal medicine, genetics, anesthesia and social services.
A tour of the facilities and an opportunity to meet other members of the Cardiac Center team.

If a heart problem is identified, our team will work with you and your OB/GYN to plan care, beginning with options for delivery. After delivery, your baby will be cared for in the Cardiac Center. If your newborn requires surgery, our cardiothoracic surgeons can perform even the most complex surgery for congenital heart disease.