Pediatric Heart Center

Arrhythmia Center

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The Pediatric Arrhythmia Center offers state-of-the-art evaluation and treatment for children with abnormal heart rhythms. Our specialized team is devoted to caring for kids of all ages, from newborns to teens.

All services are provided in a child-friendly environment that's comfortable for your whole family. In our San Francisco clinic, we treat adults as well as children whose arrhythmia is related to a congenital heart defect, the most common type of birth defect.

Treatments for our young patients range from medications and minimally invasive techniques such as catheter ablation – a method of stopping abnormal electrical signals in the heart that are causing an arrhythmia – to pacemakers and other surgical options.

Since pioneering the use of catheter ablation in the 1980s, UCSF has been a leader in advancing the understanding and treatment of abnormal heart rhythms. Today we successfully treat a variety of rhythm abnormalities in even the most complicated pediatric cases, guided by the combined expertise of our pediatric cardiologists, electrophysiologists, anesthesiologists, surgeons, cardiac nurses and support staff.

Our locations (2)

    Highlights of our heart care

    A whole-child approach

    We believe in caring for the whole child. This means addressing all of your child's medical needs while also nurturing their emotional, developmental and social well-being.

    Built for kids

    We're part of a children's hospital, and pediatric heart care is our only focus – we don't treat adults. All our doctors and nurses are specially trained in caring for babies and children, and our facilities and equipment were designed with their needs in mind.

    Extra support for patients

    Child life specialists are experts in helping kids cope with medical procedures and hospitalization. Using play, education and therapeutic techniques tailored to the child's age and needs, they make the health care experience more positive for the whole family.

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    Extra support for families

    Our Family Resource Center provides information, amenities and comfort to parents and other caregivers, making it easier for you to remain with your child during a hospitalization.

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    Related conditions

    Related treatments

    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    • Best in Northern California for cardiology & heart surgery

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Related clinics (6)

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    Cardiology Clinic

    Cardiology Clinic

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    Cardiopulmonary Exercise Lab

    Cardiopulmonary Exercise Lab

    San Francisco / Oakland
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    Cardiothoracic Surgery Program

    Cardiothoracic Surgery Program

    San Francisco / Oakland
    cardiovascular-genetics-center-320x320-2x 3

    Cardiovascular Genetics Center

    Cardiovascular Genetics Center

    San Francisco / Oakland / Modesto
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    Fetal Cardiovascular Program

    Fetal Cardiovascular Program

    San Francisco / Oakland / Berkeley / Brentwood / Fairfield / Fremont / G...
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    Pulmonary Hypertension Program

    Pulmonary Hypertension Program

    San Francisco / Oakland / Stockton

    Support services

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

    interpreters-2x

    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Our research initiatives

    Translation, please

    We have interpreters for Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, American Sign Language and more.

    Request an interpreter

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