Surgery & Treatments
Understanding Heart Surgery & Treatments
Discovering that your child needs heart surgery or another medical procedure can be overwhelming. Heart Beats does not provide medical care, however, we are a non‑profit that connects families with expert clinicians and trusted resources. In Alberta, children requiring congenital heart surgery are typically referred to the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, the western Canadian referral center for pediatric cardiac surgery. Each patient’s case is discussed at a multidisciplinary telehealth conference and triaged by specialists across Western Canada. In 2016 the Stollery program performed over 750 procedures (operations and catheterizations) and completed 1 800 fetal echocardiograms and 10 000 pediatric echocardiograms. Among the ten busiest congenital heart surgery centers in North America, the Stollery had the highest survival rate after complex pediatric cardiac surgery.
Please remember: The information provided on this page is for general understanding and support only. Any decisions about surgery or treatment should be made in close consultation with your child’s cardiology and surgical team, who know your family’s unique situation best.
Trusted Online Resources
Finding trustworthy information online can be challenging. The resources we are recommending are by Alberta health professionals and reputable Canadian organizations. They are not substitutes for medical advice but can help you understand congenital heart disease and connect with support networks.
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This guide was developed by heart families and heart professionals for new heart families
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The Stollery’s Congenital Heart program’s booklet offers detailed guidance and resource lists for families.
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The Canadian Fontan Connection is a nationwide database that was established in 2018 as a means to study epidemiology, demographic trends, treatment and clinical outcomes in this small but growing Fontan population.
Recommended Books & Publications
Heart Beats encourages families to explore books written for parents of children with congenital heart disease. These resources can and your child understand your child’s condition and connect with support networks.
Always use them alongside advice from your care team.
It's My Heart Book
Developed by The Children’s Heart Foundation. Provides clear descriptions of congenital heart defects and acquired heart conditions, with explanations of tests, surgical procedures and treatments, helpful diagrams and a glossary.
Matty’s Heart
A picture book that prepares children for open‑heart surgery in language they can understand. Families use it to explain surgery to siblings, relatives and teachers.
A Night Without Stars
An adolescent‑focused story about a 10‑year‑old girl facing open‑heart surgery who meets a boy with burn scars; through sharing experiences they help each other overcome fears.
Please Note: Heart Beats is not affiliated with Amazon or any other retailer and does not receive commissions from book sales; we include links solely to help families access useful resources.
Need help finding more information?
Heart Beats is here to answer your questions, share trusted resources, and offer a compassionate ear. Reach out today, and we’ll help you navigate every step.
