The Institute is Among Handful of Pediatric Programs Nationally Offering the Ozaki Technique to Repair Aortic and Pulmonary Valves in Children
MIAMI l Nicklaus Children’s Heart Institute has successfully performed an innovative pulmonary heart valve repair utilizing a complex and unique technique known as the Ozaki procedure, becoming the first known pediatric program in the state of Florida to do so and among only a select group of pediatric health systems globally. The Ozaki procedure, developed as an alternative to traditional valve replacement, involves reconstructing the patient’s valve using their own pericardial tissue.
The Heart Institute also performs the Ozaki technique on children in need of aortic valve repair, further positioning the program at the forefront of complex pediatric cardiac surgery. For children, this approach offers significant potential benefits, including improved valve function and durability, reduced risk of complications, and the possibility of growth of the reconstructed valve as the child grows.
Dr. David Kalfa, chief of cardiovascular surgery and co-director of the Nicklaus Children’s Heart Institute, said the milestone reflects a critical advancement for families across the region.
“Offering both the pulmonary and aortic Ozaki procedures represents an important leap forward for pediatric cardiac care in South Florida,” said Dr. Kalfa. “These techniques allow us to rebuild a child’s valve using their own tissue, giving many young patients the opportunity for better long-term outcomes and fewer operations. We are proud to bring this level of innovation to the children and families who rely on us.”
Nicklaus Children’s Heart Institute is a nationally recognized leader in the treatment of congenital and acquired heart conditions in infants, children and adolescents with congenital heart disease.