#United States #Miami #Pediatric Cardiology #Minima Stent #Nicklaus Children

Groundbreaking Advancement in Pediatric Cardiology

In a remarkable development for pediatric cardiac care, the Nicklaus Children's Heart Institute is now the first in South Florida to introduce the innovative Minima Stent, a health technology specially designed for infants and young children. This revolutionary heart stent, recently approved by the FDA, offers a promising solution for patients suffering from congenital heart defects, reducing the necessity for multiple open-heart surgeries throughout a child's life.

The Minima Stent distinguishes itself from traditional stents, which are typically made for adults and can be limited in their expansion capabilities. This new device is crafted specifically for the unique cardiovascular needs of children, ensuring that as a child grows, the stent can be safely adjusted to accommodate their expanding vascular system. This feature is particularly vital for addressing conditions like coarctation of the aorta and branch pulmonary stenosis often seen in pediatric patients.

Dr. Sathanandam, who serves as the chief of cardiovascular medicine and co-director of the institute, emphasized the significance of this breakthrough, stating, "This is an exciting milestone for the children of South Florida and around the country. With the Minima Stent, we aim to close a crucial gap in pediatric cardiology by providing a safe, expandable solution tailored to the needs of growing children."

The design of the Minima Stent allows it to be utilized in smaller blood vessels and to grow as needed, ultimately expanding to adult size. This adaptability not only enhances patient care but also signifies a transformative progression in managing congenital heart disease among the youngest patients. Dr. Daniel Duarte Caceres, a leading congenital interventional cardiologist at the Heart Institute, shared his insights on the impact of this advancement: "Up until now, we have had to adapt adult stents for children, exposing them to multiple procedures through adulthood. The Minima Stent is purpose-built for our youngest and most fragile patients, offering a tool that grows with them while alleviating the need for repeated interventions."

The Nicklaus Children's Heart Institute has established itself as a global leader in pediatric cardiology, attending to thousands of children with congenital and acquired heart conditions annually. At the forefront of innovation, their Pediatric and Congenital Catheterization Program is recognized worldwide, employing the latest advancements in imaging and medical device technology to execute complex procedures that may even eliminate the requirement for open-heart surgery.

For families facing the daunting challenges of congenital heart disease, the introduction of the Minima Stent provides a glimmer of hope. With Nicklaus Children's at the helm, the future of pediatric cardiac care looks brighter than ever before.

For further details about the Nicklaus Children's Heart Institute and the extraordinary services they offer, visit their website at nicklauschildrens.org/heart.

About Nicklaus Children's Hospital

Nicklaus Children's Hospital is a nonprofit specialty hospital catering exclusively to children in South Florida. Known for its advanced medical care and extensive range of pediatric services, the hospital employs over 850 physicians, including more than 500 pediatric subspecialists, making it a vital resource for the local pediatric population. It continuously garners recognition for its excellence in pediatric medicine and boasts numerous specialty programs that are regularly ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report since 2008.