Interventional Cardiac Catheterisation (ICC) for Children
A Minimally Invasive Way to Treat Heart Defects Without Open-Heart Surgery
At KidsHeart Medical Center, we offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments for many congenital and acquired heart conditions.
Interventional Cardiac Catheterisation (ICC) allows us to treat heart defects using thin, flexible tubes (catheters) inserted through blood vessels — often avoiding the need for traditional open-heart surgery.
Our ICC procedures are available across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain, providing families access to world-class cardiac care with less recovery time and fewer risks.
Many Heart Defects in Children Can Now Be Treated Without Open-Heart Surgery
Interventional Cardiac Catheterisation (ICC) uses a thin, flexible tube guided through the blood vessels to reach the heart — allowing our specialists to treat defects from the inside, while the heart keeps beating, through a tiny entry point in the groin.
No Large Incisions, Less Pain, and a Much Faster Recovery
Because ICC doesn’t require opening the chest, most children go home within 24 to 48 hours and recover fully within just a few days — a significant difference compared to traditional open-heart surgery.
It Can Close Holes in the Heart, Open Narrowed Valves, and Much More
ICC is used to treat a range of conditions including ASDs, VSDs, PDAs, pulmonary valve stenosis, aortic valve stenosis, and coarctation of the aorta. It can also place stents, remove blockages, or correct issues left over from a previous heart surgery.
Your Child Will Be Under General Anesthesia for the Entire Procedure
The procedure typically takes one to three hours depending on complexity. A full pre-assessment — including imaging, blood tests, and an anesthesia evaluation — is completed beforehand, and our team explains every step to you in advance.
Some Mild Soreness Afterward Is Normal But It Passes Quickly
There may be slight tenderness at the catheter entry site for a day or two, and pain relief is provided as needed. A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled within one to two weeks to check recovery and heart function.
For Many Heart Defects, ICC Offers a Permanent or Long-Lasting Correction
When performed by experienced Pediatric Interventional Cardiologists, ICC has a strong track record of lasting results. We build ongoing monitoring into every post-procedure care plan to ensure your child’s heart stays healthy long term.
What is Interventional Cardiac Catheterisation?
ICC involves guiding a catheter through the blood vessels — usually from the leg — into the heart. Through this catheter, our pediatric cardiologists can:
- Open narrowed heart valves or arteries
- Close holes in the heart such as atrial septal defects (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
- Place stents or balloons to improve blood flow
- Remove obstructions or repair vessels
- Deliver devices or medications directly into heart structures
All of this is done while the heart is beating, using real-time imaging — without large incisions or a heart-lung machine.
When is ICC Recommended?
Your child may be referred for ICC if they have been diagnosed with:
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) (select cases)
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
- Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
- Aortic valve stenosis
- Coarctation of the Aorta
- Narrowed or blocked arteries or veins
- Residual defects after heart surgery
ICC may also be used for diagnostic purposes before major surgery or to support pacemaker-related procedures.
What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure
Before the procedure
- Your child will undergo pre-assessment, imaging tests, blood tests, and anesthesia evaluation
- Our team will explain the steps, risks, and recovery in detail
During the procedure
- The child is placed under general anesthesia
- A catheter is inserted through a vein or artery (typically in the groin)
- Using live imaging, the cardiologist navigates the catheter to the heart and performs the required treatment
- The procedure usually takes between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity
After the procedure
- Your child will be monitored for a few hours or overnight
- Most children go home within 24 to 48 hours
- A follow-up plan is arranged to monitor recovery and heart function
Benefits of Interventional Cardiac Catheterisation
- No large surgical incisions
- Shorter hospital stay and recovery time
- Less pain and scarring
- Lower risk of infection
- Precise, real-time treatment guided by imaging
It offers a safer, faster alternative for many heart conditions — especially when detected early.
Why Choose KidsHeart?
- Procedures are performed by highly experienced Pediatric Interventional Cardiologists
- Supported by a complete pediatric cardiac care team (anesthesia, ICU, imaging)
- Post-procedure monitoring and long-term care plans are built into every case
- Personalized care before, during, and after the procedure
- Located in Major Cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain — so families can access top-tier care close to home
Our focus is always on safety, precision, and the child’s long-term well-being.
Less Invasive, More Possibilities
At KidsHeart, we’re proud to offer advanced Interventional Cardiac Catheterisation as a safer, less invasive option for many pediatric heart conditions.
This is just one more way we help children heal with fewer disruptions and stronger futures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. When performed by experienced specialists, ICC is a safe and effective treatment option with a strong track record in pediatric care.
Your Pediatric Cardiologist will assess the type and severity of the heart defect and recommend ICC if it’s the best treatment approach.
Some mild discomfort or soreness at the catheter site may occur, but it usually resolves quickly. Pain relief is provided as needed.
Most children recover fully within a few days. Light activity is encouraged, and a follow-up visit is typically scheduled within 1–2 weeks.
For many heart defects, ICC offers permanent or long-lasting correction. Ongoing monitoring helps ensure continued heart health.