Congenital heart surgery

Pediatric congenital heart surgery partnership with UVA Children's 

Together with UVA Children's, we're ensuring families in Virginia have convenient access to the best congenital heart surgery. Our goal is to keep families close to their communities and support systems as they navigate a congenital heart diagnosis, treatment and follow-up services. 

Your child's best heart care is just a few beats away 

Our expert, compassionate approach to congenital heart surgery is why parents trust us to mend their children’s hearts. We care for children of all ages, often meeting families before their babies are born to develop a plan for a healthy future. Whether your child is a newborn, toddler or teen transitioning to adult congenital heart care, we’re here to ensure the best care throughout your journey. 

• Our surgeons' outcomes (UVA & CHoR combined) surpass national benchmarks for the most complex CHD surgeries: 96.5% compared to 87.8% national average (*Data source = STS)
• Surgery is provided by the state’s most experienced pediatric cardiac surgeons with surgical volumes that exceed other children's hospitals
• Our robust heart centers have expertise in fetal cardiology, congenital heart disease (birth to adulthood), cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, ECMO and non-invasive procedures
• We provide access to the latest technology, surgical techniques and cardiac research
• We offer the highest level neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric intensive care unit for optimal pre and post-surgical care
• Our team provides care around the clock, close to home
• CHoR is an elite Level 1 Children’s Surgery Center verified by the American College of Surgeons
• UVA Children’s is ranked among the nation's top 20 programs for pediatric cardiology/heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report

Meet congenital heart surgeon, Dr. James Gangemi

Dr. Gangemi is known for his confident, compassionate bedside manner and clinical expertise in all areas of congenital heart surgery – from the common to the most complex.

Expert, compassionate care for every congenital heart condition

Our comprehensive heart center team treats the full spectrum of congenital heart defects, from common to complex, regardless of a patient’s age. We are experts in caring for:

• Aortic stenosis
• Arterial switch for transposition of the great arteries
• Atrioventricular canal defect
• Coarctation of the aorta
• Double aortic arch
• Heart transplant
• Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (including Norwood procedure)
• Hypoplastic right heart syndrome
• Patent ductus arteriosus
• Pulmonary atresia
• Pulmonary hypertension in newborns
• Pulmonary stenosis
• Septal defects
• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Total anomalous pulmonary venous return
• Truncus arteriosus

Facing heart surgery: Caring for the whole family

Not only are we experts in the operating room, but we are committed to ensuring you know what to expect and can be an active part of your child's care team. Our team will take the time to explain your child's diagnosis and treatment plan, while answering any questions. Our child life specialists are also with you along the way, helping to ensure that kids get to be kids in the hospital.