Birmingham, AL – Every February, Children’s of Alabama observes American Heart Month, highlighting the patients and families receiving exceptional care at its nationally ranked Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama. The center, known for its comprehensive approach to pediatric cardiac care, treats a wide range of heart conditions with some of the best outcomes in the country.
“This is a comprehensive heart center, which means any heart problem that your child has, we can take care of it,” said Dr. Robert Sorabella, a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon at Children’s of Alabama. “We have some of the best results in the country.”
With a team of over 300 dedicated staff members, the center provides specialized care for thousands of patients annually. In 2024 alone, the team performed more than 850 cardiac catheterizations and electrophysiology procedures, along with over 525 cardiac surgeries, including nine heart transplants and nine ventricular assist device implants. The facility features 20 private cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) rooms with four dedicated ECMO suites, 16 private intermediate critical care unit (CCU) rooms, two cardiovascular operating rooms, and two cardiac catheterization labs. This “heart hospital within a hospital” is a testament to decades of excellence in pediatric cardiovascular treatment and research.
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are among the most common birth defects in the United States, affecting nearly 40,000 newborns each year. These conditions result from improper formation of the heart or blood vessels in utero, with some being detected at birth and others remaining undiagnosed until later in life. The survival of infants with CHDs depends on the severity of the condition, the timing of the diagnosis, and the available treatment options.
“The way I see it, no one ever wants to come see us,” Sorabella added. “We understand that, but we should all have the comfort of knowing that we are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to save a child’s life.”
Children’s of Alabama remains a leader in CHD treatment, earning a ranking among the top 25 pediatric cardiac care centers in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Throughout February, the hospital is working to raise awareness about CHDs while showcasing the expertise and dedication of its medical team.
Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has been a cornerstone of pediatric healthcare, providing specialized medical care for children across the state and beyond. As a private, not-for-profit medical center and the primary teaching hospital for the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s pediatric programs, it continues to advance the field of pediatric medicine and surgery.
Throughout Heart Month, Children’s is encouraging community engagement through various events and initiatives aimed at supporting pediatric heart care. For those interested in learning more or getting involved, additional information can be found on the Children’s of Alabama website and social media platforms.
