Cincinnati Children's Heart Institute

03/13/2026

Discover how the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at Cincinnati Children’s delivers world‑class, around‑the‑clock care for patients of all ages with complex cardiac conditions. Our 36‑bed CICU is nationally recognized for safety, innovation and family-centered care, achieving some of the lowest infection rates in the country and leading groundbreaking initiatives to reduce cardiac arrests.

Supported by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, pharmacists, dieticians and child life specialists, we are committed to exceptional outcomes and a supportive environment for both patients and staff. Our Beacon Award–winning unit also offers enhanced RN orientation and long-term clinical coaching to strengthen skills, retention, and well‑being.

Discover how the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at Cincinnati Children’s delivers world‑class, around‑the‑clock care for patients of all ages with comple...

03/11/2026

Registration is officially OPEN for 2026 Heart Institute Family Camp and Camp Joyful Hearts!
Family Camp:
https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/h/heart-institute/patient-resources/family-camp

Camp Joyful Hearts:
https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/h/heart-institute/patient-resources/camp-joyful

03/06/2026

⛳ Scratch Golf Camp 2026 is back!
The Cincinnati Children’s Heart Institute, First Tee-Greater Cincinnati & No. Kentucky, and the Congenital Heart Alliance of Cincinnati are offering a FREE summer golf camp for eligible Heart Institute patients.

Dates: July 30–August 1, 2026
Location: Reeves Golf Course
Age: 7-14 Years Old

Participants get a 3‑day camp, followed by a 7‑week fall program.
New participants receive a full set of junior golf clubs, and all participants get a logo shirt, hat, and more.
Spots are limited.

https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/h/heart-institute/patient-resources/scratchgolf-camp

03/04/2026

"Doctors discovered at Wade’s 20-week anatomy scan that not all his heart structures were visible. We went on to have several more ultrasounds, including a couple fetal echocardiograms. He was prenatally diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia. We were told he would have a couple initial cardiac procedures using cardiac catheterizations, but ultimately our tiny baby would need open heart surgery. Wade was born in May of 2020 during the height of COVID, which was such a scary time for everyone, but as first-time parents, it was an extra scary time. Speaking of extra, Wade was also born with Trisomy 21, an extra copy of his 21st Chromosome, which is also known as Down Syndrome! He has definitely been a little “extra” from the start! He had his first cardiac cath procedure at 2 days old and had another one at 2 months of age. He underwent open-heart surgery at 6 months old to repair his AVSD and have a prosthetic valve placed. He has had several routine catheterizations since then, but they have spaced out as he has grown! He is the oldest of four brothers and takes such great care of his younger siblings! He is a great example of heart work and not letting anything hold you back. He is currently in kindergarten and thriving thanks to the Heart Institute at Cincinnati Children’s. We are so grateful for the care our Wadester has had and continues to receive!"

03/02/2026

We're having an informational session THIS WEDNESDAY, March 4, 2026 at 6-7pm EST via Zoom!

This will be a very informal session where parents can ask questions and learn more about Family Camp and Camp Joyful Hearts. You can register for the session using the link below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4o5lGbKKR-6v-FKPoj-CUQ

02/27/2026

✨ Children born with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) need intensive care at birth so they’re ready for surgical repair later in infancy. MAPCAs are abnormal blood vessels that grow from the aorta and connect to the pulmonary arteries. Most families learn about MAPCAs during a prenatal ultrasound, and that’s when your child’s lifelong care with us begins.

Our MAPCAs team uses advanced imaging and a thorough evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan based on your child’s unique heart anatomy. As one of the nation’s few comprehensive MAPCA programs, we collaborate closely with each patient’s local care providers to ensure seamless support.

We’re proud to highlight this incredible program in this week’s ! 💙✨

Learn more: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/m/mapca

Cincinnati Children's Heart Institute

02/25/2026

02/25/2026

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02/24/2026

02/20/2026

"At our 20 week anatomy scan we found out about Lucy’s congenital heart defects. We were able to talk with the doctors and tour the CICU in the weeks leading up to Lucy’s arrival. This helped us have a plan in place and better understand what steps were going to be taken to care for Lucy. She had open heart surgery a few days after she was born to fix a large VSD and a coarctation of the aorta. Dr. Tweddell was an amazing surgeon and took such great care of Lucy, as did all the doctors and nurses we had over the course of our 2 1/2 week inpatient stay. Open heart surgery and chest closure surgery are the only two heart surgeries Lucy needed, but over the course of 10 years, she has had a total of 13 surgeries at CCHMC. We are so blessed to have this wonderful hospital in our backyard! This month, Lucy celebrated her 10th birthday and 10th heart surgery anniversary. She is a thriving 4th grader who has the kindest heart. She loves being outside, going to school, playing the cello, building Legos, musicals, and being the best big sister!"

02/20/2026

From his very first days, David battled complex congenital heart challenges, facing multiple surgeries. His strength and determination reflect the very best of coordinated pediatric heart care. Through our partnership with Akron Children's, we’re expanding that same high‑level expertise across Northern Ohio, ensuring more families have access to collaborative, comprehensive heart care closer to home.

🔗 https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/h/heart-surgery/patient-stories/david