The Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery works closely together with the Section of Cardiology to provide comprehensive care for neonates, infants, children and adolescents with congenital and acquired heart disease. Evalulation of pediatric patients with heart problems is provided by St. Christopher's cardiologists at the Heart Center for Children, and at a network of satellite offices. Consultation with cardiac surgeons is available 24 hours a day. St. Christopher's staff of cardiothoracic surgeons is recognized throughout the region for providing excellent care for virtually all forms of heart disease in pediatric patients.

A multi-disciplinary approach involving cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, nurse practitioners, critical care physicians, and social workers services helps to meet the needs of our patients and their families. Special expertise in the Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery results in the referral of patients requiring comprehensive treatment for a broad spectrum of cardiac diseases:

• Neonates with complex heart malformations such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome, transposition of the great arteries, or interrupted aortic arch.
• Patients with single ventricle anomalies.
• Patients with complex forms of Tetralogy of Fallot and atrioventricular canal defects.
• Patients with valvular heart disease needing either valve repair or tissue valve replacement
  (homograft or Ross procedure).
• Patients with heart rhythm disorders requiring pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, or surgical treatment.
• Patients with lung disorders related to congenital heart disease.

Collaboration with interventional cardiologists in the Heart Center for Children allows many children with congenital heart anomalies to be treated without surgery, or with less surgery than would otherwise be necessary. Minimally invasive surgical techniques are also available, with the emphasis always on patient safety first, and on cosmetics second.

Peri-operative care of cardiothoracic patients is provided in a dedicated Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CCU), which is staffed by skilled nurses and managed by physician members of the Sections of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Cardiology 24 hours a day. Family participation in patient care is emphasized. Parents and family members are accommodated in private rooms in the Cardiac Family Center, which is within the main hospital facility.

In general, a comprehensive approach to heart disease early in life results in the most satisfactory outcome and quality of life for the child and family.

To arrange an appointment or consultation: 215-427-5109

Heart Center for Children
Appointments: 215-427-5109

Glenn Pelletier, MD

Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Appointments: 215-427-5109
Office: 215-427-5109

Medical School: Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH
Residency:  Washington University, St. Louis MO; University of Pennsylvania
 Appointment: 2004
Special Interests: Neonaal congenital heart surgery, adult congenital surgery, single ventricle congenital heart disease