Your guide to pediatric heart surgery
What you need to know to prepare for your child’s surgery.
We know that preparing for your child’s heart surgery can feel overwhelming. At Holtz Children’s Hospital, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We hope that the information below helps make you and your child feel more confident and prepared for the upcoming procedure, providing all the information you need for a smoother experience.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 305-585-5271. Your child’s health and well-being is our number one priority.
What to expect before the surgery
Before your child’s surgery, they’ll have an appointment at the hospital to complete these important steps:
What to expect before the surgery
Before your child’s surgery, they’ll have an appointment at the hospital to complete these important steps:
Registration
Bring identification and insurance information. Our staff will help answer any questions.
Health checks and tests
Your child will have a physical exam and tests, like bloodwork, to ensure they’re healthy enough for surgery.
Meet the surgeon
The surgeon will explain the procedure, its risks and benefits, and what to expect before and after the surgery. You’ll need to sign consent forms for the surgery. Be sure to ask any questions and mention any allergies or medicine your child is taking.
Anesthesia consultation
Learn how your child will be kept asleep and comfortable during the surgery.
Blood transfusions and donations
Your child may need a blood transfusion during surgery. All blood is carefully matched and screened for safety. If you want to donate blood for your child, speak with their doctor to explore the options for directed blood transfusions.
Important details before surgery
If your child has a fever or is experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms before surgery, call us right away at 305-585-5271.
Special instructions
If your child is taking aspirin or a blood thinner, please talk to their doctor, as they may need to stop these medications before surgery.
We’ll schedule your child for a pre-operation testing and anesthesia clearance appointment. Please arrive 30 minutes before the appointment time.
Location
Jackson Memorial Hospital
Clark Diagnostic Treatment Center
First-floor registration,
1611 N.W. 12th Ave., Miami, FL 33136
The most convenient parking garage is the North (Blue) Garage, located at 1120 N.W. 20th St., Miami, FL 33127. Valet parking is also available.
Surgery
The day before the surgery
Your child may bring a favorite toy or blanket to the hospital for reassurance. It will stay with them until the surgery begins.
Fasting instructions:
- Solid food: Stop at midnight
- Formula or cow’s milk: Stop at 2 a.m.
- Breastmilk: Stop at 4 a.m.
- Water, pedialyte, or enfalyte: Stop at 6 a.m
The day of the surgery
The most convenient parking garage is the Park Plaza East (Red) Garage, located at 901 N.W. 17th St., Miami, FL 33136.
Before the surgery:
You can stay with your child in the pre-operation area. We encourage you to reassure your child that you’ll be close by during their surgery.
During the surgery:
Parents and family can wait in the family waiting room until the surgery is complete. Our team will keep you updated throughout the procedure.
Surgery
The day before the surgery
Your child may bring a favorite toy or blanket to the hospital for reassurance. It will stay with them until the surgery begins.
Fasting instructions:
- Solid food: Stop at midnight
- Formula or cow’s milk: Stop at 2 a.m.
- Breastmilk: Stop at 4 a.m.
- Water, pedialyte, or enfalyte: Stop at 6 a.m
The day of the surgery
The most convenient parking garage is the Park Plaza East (Red) Garage, located at 901 N.W. 17th St., Miami, FL 33136.
Before the surgery:
You can stay with your child in the pre-operation area. We encourage you to reassure your child that you’ll be close by during their surgery.
During the surgery:
Parents and family can wait in the family waiting room until the surgery is complete. Our team will keep you updated throughout the procedure.
Helping your child prepare for surgery
Emotionally preparing your child for their surgery is just as important as the physical preparations. You play an important role in helping them feel more at ease. Here are some tips:
Explain the procedure in simple terms- For preschool and school-aged children, we recommend talking to them about the procedure a day or two before their surgery.
- For older children and teens, we recommend that you talk to them about the surgery with more time. Allowing them time to ask questions and prepare mentally and emotionally.
Help your child understand
- Explain that the surgeon will operate on the heart and show where the heart is on the body. For older children, pictures or diagrams can help.
- Let them know the surgery will leave a scar, but it’s a step toward feeling better.
Reassure and comfort
- Let your child know they’ll be asleep and comfortable during the surgery.
- Explain that they won’t remember the surgery when they wake up.
- Assure your child that you’ll be in the hospital and nearby throughout the surgery.
If you have additional questions or need resources, please let us know. We’re here to ensure the best experience for you and your child.
Description
If you have additional questions or need resources, please let us know. We’re here to ensure the best experience for you and your child.
Meet the Pediatric Heart Team
Heart surgery
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Congenital Cardiac Surgery, Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, Thoracic Surgery
Congenital Cardiac Surgery
Leo Harris, Physician Assistant
Barbara Davis-Sears, nurse practitioner
Jami Ferrare, nurse practitioner
Description
Leo Harris, Physician Assistant
Barbara Davis-Sears, nurse practitioner
Jami Ferrare, nurse practitioner
Anesthesia
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Anesthesiology, Pediatric Anesthesiology, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pediatrics
Anesthesiology, Pediatric Anesthesiology
Anesthesiology, Pediatric Anesthesiology
Cardiology
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Pediatric Cardiology
Pediatric Cardiology
Pediatric Cardiology
Pediatric Cardiology
Pediatric Cardiology
Pediatric Cardiology
Adult Congenital Heart Disease, Pediatric Cardiology
Adult Congenital Heart Disease, Pediatric Cardiology
Pediatric Cardiology
Michelle Jadotte, nurse practitioner
RoseEmma Oriental, nurse practitioner
Mary Cousins, nurse practitioner
Alina Czeremcha, nurse practitioner
Amelia Vasquez, chief ultrasound technician
Description
Michelle Jadotte, nurse practitioner
RoseEmma Oriental, nurse practitioner
Mary Cousins, nurse practitioner
Alina Czeremcha, nurse practitioner
Amelia Vasquez, chief ultrasound technician
Cardiac intensive care
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Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatrics
Nancy Morris, nurse practitioner
Jacqueline Hurtado, nurse practitioner
Carline BrownLee, nurse practitioner
Mariana O’Neil, nurse practitioner
Description
Nancy Morris, nurse practitioner
Jacqueline Hurtado, nurse practitioner
Carline BrownLee, nurse practitioner
Mariana O’Neil, nurse practitioner
Clinical Coordinator
Roseangel Coloma, registered nurse
Comprehensive Pediatric Heart Care from Womb to Adulthood
Expertise, innovation, collaboration, and family-centered care shape our mission to provide exceptional cardiac treatment for children with congenital or acquired heart disease.