The Section of Pediatric Cardiology provides comprehensive invasive and non-invasive cardiac care to neonates, children and adults with congenital heart disease in New Orleans and the State of Louisiana.  A full spectrum of interventional procedures including closure of septal defects, stent implantation, coil/device closure of PDA and anomalous blood vessels, balloon valvuloplasty procedures and hybrid procedures together with hybrid palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (Summer 2009) is available. Non-invasive services consisting of electrocardiography, holter monitoring, pacemaker/defibrillator interrogation, exercise stress testing (including metabolic stress testing), tilt table testing, transtelephonic event monitor recording, transthoracic/transesophageal and fetal echocardiography are also available. 

In cooperation with Tulane University Hospital for Children, the Section is spearheading the development of a state of the art Congenital Heart Center with completion slated for the summer of 2009.  The centerpiece of the project will be a "hybrid suite" (combined cardiac catheterization and operating suite) and a new cardiac operating suite. A pediatric cardiac intensive care unit is planned for later in the year.  The Center will also house a new Pediatric Cardiology Outpatient Clinic and non-invasive department.  The Center will serve as a focal point of the Section's echocardiographic and transtelephonic echo services.  Once established, the Section will be able to link outlying clinics within the State to pediatric cardiologists at Tulane University.   

Michael R. Recto, M.D.
Dr. Recto joined Tulane University in August of 2008 as Section Chief of Pediatric Cardiology and Co-Director of the Congenital Heart Center at Tulane University.  He also serves as the Director of the Pediatric Cardi