Pediatric Cardiology & Pulmonology
Session Overview
Pediatric cardiology and pulmonology are closely linked specialties dedicated to the management of congenital and acquired conditions affecting the heart and lungs from fetal life through adolescence. This field requires a sophisticated understanding of cardiopulmonary physiology as it evolves with growth, and integrates medical management, interventional procedures, and complex surgical repair. This session brings together clinical, surgical, and physiological perspectives to examine advances in the diagnosis and treatment of structural heart disease, arrhythmias, chronic lung conditions, and the interplay between cardiac and respiratory health in children.
Why This Session Matters Now
Improvements in surgical techniques, catheter-based interventions, and medical therapy have transformed the prognosis for children with complex congenital heart disease and severe chronic lung conditions, creating a growing population of survivors with unique long-term health needs. Simultaneously, advances in genetics, imaging, and physiological monitoring are refining risk stratification and personalized management. This session addresses the imperative to integrate lifelong care models, address emerging issues in the adolescent and adult congenital patient, and leverage innovation to optimize functional outcomes and quality of life.
Key Scientific and Clinical Themes
Congenital Heart Disease & Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Examination of the pre- and post-operative management of complex congenital heart lesions, innovations in surgical and transcatheter techniques, and long-term follow-up strategies for the growing population of adult congenital heart disease survivors.
Pediatric Arrhythmias, Cardiomyopathies & Heart Failure
Discussion of the etiology, diagnosis, and management of primary electrical diseases and myocardial dysfunction in children, including genetic evaluation, pharmacotherapy, device implantation, and advanced heart failure therapies.
Chronic Pediatric Pulmonary Diseases
Focus on the comprehensive care of children with cystic fibrosis, severe asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and other chronic respiratory conditions, encompassing new modulator therapies, infection control, and nutritional and psychosocial support.
Cardio-Pulmonary Physiology, Sleep & Diagnostic Innovations
Exploration of the integrative physiology linking cardiac and respiratory systems, the impact of sleep-disordered breathing on cardiovascular health, and the application of advanced imaging, biomarkers, and wearable technology in diagnosis and monitoring.
Nature of Research in This Field
Research in pediatric cardiopulmonary medicine is characterized by its technical complexity and the need for long-term outcome studies. It encompasses surgical and interventional registries, trials of novel pharmaceuticals (e.g., CFTR modulators), and physiological investigations. A significant portion of the literature consists of detailed case series documenting rare presentations or novel techniques, supported by narrative reviews that synthesize management approaches for complex conditions. Collaborative multicenter networks are essential for generating robust evidence in these relatively low-prevalence, high-acuity fields.
Who Should Attend
This session is designed for:
- Pediatric cardiologists, pulmonologists, and intensivists
- Pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons and interventionalists
- Anesthesiologists and perfusionists specializing in pediatric care
- Researchers in cardiovascular development, pulmonary biology, and medical device innovation
- Advanced practice providers and nurses in pediatric cardiac and pulmonary units
Session Perspective
The heart and lungs form an integrated physiological circuit that is particularly vulnerable during development. This session provides a platform to connect innovations in structural repair and medical therapy with a deeper understanding of evolving cardiopulmonary physiology. By focusing on the continuum from fetal diagnosis to lifelong survivorship, the discussion aims to advance a collaborative, forward-looking model of care that seeks not only to save lives but to ensure that each child can breathe and thrive to their fullest potential.
If your research aligns with this session, we invite you to submit an abstract for consideration.
