Cardiac Center at CHOP

10/29/2025

For nine months, Michael lived without a heart.

Born with a rare and complex congenital heart defect, Michael underwent multiple open-heart surgeries at a hospital near his family’s home in Virginia. He would need a heart transplant but wouldn’t survive the wait for a donor heart. With limited options, Michael's parents turned to our Cardiac Center for a second opinion and a chance at survival.

Here, our team performed a novel surgical procedure - a first at CHOP - removing most of his heart and keeping him alive entirely on ventricular assist devices as a bridge to transplant.

In December 2024, Michael’s family received the joyful news that he was getting a new heart.

Now thriving with his new heart, Michael’s parents say he is unstoppable, and they are truly grateful to the team at CHOP and for the gift they were given from their donor family.

Read more about Michael and his heart journey. ❤️

A critically ill 10-month-old with heart failure receives an innovative bridge to transplant – performed for the first time at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

10/27/2025

Recent stories in the news and on social media have led to a lot of new questions about Tylenol® (acetaminophen). We encourage families to ensure the information they're getting is coming from trusted medical experts.

Here is what we know: Acetaminophen is a safe, trusted, and effective medicine for children when used as directed. It helps with fever and pain and has been used worldwide for decades.

Learn more on our website: http://ms.spr.ly/6189tBNh5.

10/27/2025

Eight-year-old Dottie has a rare condition called Aicardi-Goutières syndrome that affects her brain and immune system. She and her family recently flew all the way from Indiana to see Dr. Adeline Vanderver in our multidisciplinary Leukodystrophy Center—but someone important didn’t make it onto the plane… her beloved comfort buddy, Teddy!

Luckily, Teddy’s travel plans just ran a little behind. Thanks to some extra TLC (and his very own airline ticket), Teddy made an overnight journey straight to our hospital. Nurse Katie delivered him right to Dottie's arms, showing off just how far he’d traveled to be there. 😍

10/25/2025

When Dr. Beverly Coleman started her career in radiology in the early 1970s, ultrasound was still a curiosity. The machines were massive, occupying entire rooms, and the images they produced were fuzzy and ghostly. Expectant mothers were wheeled in for a glimpse of the mysterious shapes on the monitor. Few imagined that one day, that same technology — now portable enough to hold in your hand — would help redefine what was possible in medicine.

As Dr. Coleman soon retires from her role as Director of Fetal Imaging at The Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment at CHOP, we celebrate a trailblazer who redefined her field, shattered barriers, and helped generations of families see hope where there once was uncertainty.

Read more in this Q & A with Dr. Coleman, below.

Dr. Beverly Coleman’s pioneering work in fetal imaging transformed care for countless families — and her impact will continue to guide the field for years to come.

10/24/2025

Is your medicine cabinet ready for sick season?

From fever reducers to saline spray and when to actually toss expired meds — our pediatricians share exactly what every family should have on hand before illness hits.

Read the full guide, below.

Be prepared for anything: What parents need in their medicine cabinet or first aid kit to deal with kids’ inevitable cuts, stings, flu and more.

10/24/2025

Dino's story is a powerful reminder of how the right communication system can open doors.

Dino was diagnosed with Leigh syndrome and faced severe muscle weakness that left him in a wheelchair and made speech difficult. As Dino’s condition evolved, so did his communication needs and the tools to support them.

After trying multiple AAC systems, Dino found the perfect fit: an eye gaze system that lets him express thoughts and connect with friends. He uses his device in class, at home, and out with friends, and it’s made all the difference.

October is Augmentative and Alternative Communication ( ) Awareness Month. Read more about Dino’s story, below.

Leigh syndrome took away Dino’s speech, but not his voice. With CHOP’s help, he found the perfect AAC device and now “speaks” easily with family, professors and friends.

10/23/2025

We 💚 our Champions, their families and friends! Last Sunday we came together to raise a record-breaking $416,000 to benefit our Trisomy 21 program.

Over 3,000 participants and countless smiles came together at Lincoln Financial Field to promote acceptance and fund care, education, and research that empowers individuals with Down syndrome to thrive.

Learn more about our Buddy Walk & Family Fun Day: http://ms.spr.ly/6188sh5xQ.

10/23/2025

Meet Dr. Paul Devlin, our Cardiac Center’s newest attending surgeon!

Dr. Devlin officially joined our team after completing a two-year cardiac surgery fellowship at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Learn more about why he chose to specialize in pediatric cardiac surgery and how our families inspire him everyday.

In this Q&A, Dr. Devlin shares why he pursued pediatric cardiac surgery, his compassionate approach to Heart Warrior families, and what excites him about joining CHOP.

10/22/2025

A few years ago, 15-year-old Logan — who has Down syndrome — was constantly exhausted. He struggled to focus in school, couldn’t stay asleep at night, and didn’t have the energy to enjoy what he loved most: running track.

A sleep study at CHOP revealed the root cause — obstructive sleep apnea, a condition common in kids with Down syndrome. But traditional treatments like CPAP and BiPAP didn’t work for Logan.

Our specialists offered a groundbreaking option: a hypoglossal nerve implant, approved for teens with Down syndrome. Since receiving the implant, Logan’s sleep apnea has nearly disappeared — and so has his exhaustion.

Today, Logan is sprinting through track meets, performing in community theater, and thriving both in and out of the classroom.

Learn more about this innovative treatment.

A teen with Down syndrome finds relief from sleep apnea through an innovative treatment available at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and few other institutions.

10/22/2025

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) can be frightening, and unfortunately, misinformation is common. While we can’t predict which babies are at risk, there are proven ways families can lower that risk:

• Always place babies on their backs to sleep
• Use a firm, safe sleep surface
• Share a room, but not a bed
• Keep the sleep space clear of pillows, blankets, toys or bumpers
• Avoid smoke exposure and overheating

SIDS is unpredictable, but safe sleep practices are one of the most powerful ways to help protect your baby. Support is available for families who have experienced this loss.

Learn more about SIDS and safe sleep, and submit your question for an upcoming : http://ms.spr.ly/6183sCSiB.

10/22/2025

Say hi to Marina – we told you about her a few months ago! She was diagnosed with Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (JEB), a rare genetic disease that causes painful skin blistering. Marina recently came back to our EB clinic for a follow-up appointment, and we were so happy to see her!

Marina is now in kindergarten, loves dancing, reading and dreams of becoming an astronaut one day. We’re so proud of you, Marina — keep reaching for the stars!

Discover how our Epidermolysis Bullosa Multidisciplinary Clinic supports kids like Marina: http://ms.spr.ly/6189sCSrd.

10/20/2025

When your teen starts driving, it's an exciting but often stressful time. During Teen Driver Safety Week, learn more about the virtual driving assessments we offer at select CHOP Primary Care offices, thanks to a gift from NJM Insurance Group to the Center for Injury Research and Prevention at CHOP.

10/20/2025

Can giving babies peanuts early really help prevent allergies? New research from our team says… yes!

Nearly 10 years ago, the LEAP study showed that introducing peanuts early could help prevent allergies — and it changed the way we feed babies. But one big question remained: Did it really work? Now we know: it did.

This is big news for parents and a step forward in protecting kids from lifelong food allergies.

📢 Learn more: http://ms.spr.ly/6188sfp4m.

10/18/2025

Why do some kids develop type 2 diabetes earlier than others? Our study is looking for answers and your family can help!

We’re inviting children ages 8-15 who have a body mass index (BMI) above the 85th percentile to join a research study. The study includes clinic visits, questionnaires, blood and urine tests, and wearing a glucose monitor. There are no medications involved. Families will receive compensation for their time and travel, along with small gifts and prizes. To learn more, visit http://ms.spr.ly/6186sfC6m, contact us at DiscoveryStudy@chop.edu or call 215-590-2134.

10/17/2025

Thank you for sharing - Addi is a ! ❤️

10/12/2025

Register your school for our annual and raise funds for care, cures and hope. Join us on December 5 or pick another day that works best for your school's calendar.

Learn more and register in the link below!

Pajama Day is a chance for your school to spend the day in your most comfortable jammies, invigorate your school’s sense of community and goodwill – and support kids who rely on Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for care, cures and hope.

10/08/2025

Thanks to Pick NRG and their customers for surpassing $5 million in funding to our Center! Contributions have fueled more than 30 projects and research initiatives to help support our . ❤️

Learn more in the link below:

NRG Energy, one of the nation’s leading natural gas, electricity, and smart home companies, recently celebrated surpassing $5 million in contributions to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) from its charitable program, Choose to Give.

10/07/2025

Let's celebrate! 🎉

We're thrilled to once again be ranked among the very best in the nation for Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery by U.S. News and World Report! Join us in congratulating our first-class team who continue to make breakthroughs happen for heart warriors everywhere. ❤️

10/02/2025

October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Month. SCA can affect anyone - even those who are young and physically fit. Fortunately, you can help prevent sudden cardiac death by understanding what it is, learning how to recognize the signs of SCA and understanding how you can help a child or adult who is in trouble. Click the link below to learn more.

You could save a life by learning the warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest and how to take action. Take steps now to be prepared in an emergency.

10/02/2025

Happy Heartiversary to Paisley! ❤️

Paisley's mom shared: "Four years ago, your team gave our Paisley a second chance at life! We are so grateful for all of you! Our girl was born to do big things, and with your help she will!"

We can't wait to see all the big things you do, Paisley! ✨

09/24/2025

Henry was all smiles at a recent follow-up appointment with Dr. Aaron Dorfman at our Specialty Care and Surgery Center in Voorhees, NJ!

Henry was diagnosed with multiple heart defects after he was born, including a stenosis in his left pulmonary artery and aorta. He’s had dozens of EKGs and Echos since he was born and luckily has outgrown many of his issues. His parents are grateful for the support of our Cardiac Center and being able to get heart care closer to their home in South Jersey! ❤️