Nicklaus Children's Performs First Bedside PDA Closure in NICU, Eliminating Transport Risks
Event summary
- Nicklaus Children's Hospital performed the first traveling bedside transcatheter PDA closure on a 22-week-old premature infant weighing 800 grams on April 22, 2026.
- The procedure was conducted within the baby's isolette in the NICU, eliminating the need to transport fragile newborns to a catheterization lab.
- Dr. Shyam Sathanandam, chief of cardiovascular medicine and co-director of the Nicklaus Children's Hospital Heart Institute, led the innovative procedure.
- The strategic collaboration between Nicklaus Children's Health System and Broward Health aims to increase access to care and reduce the need for children to travel outside Broward County for advanced treatment.
The big picture
This procedure represents a significant shift in pediatric cardiology, reducing risks for premature infants by eliminating the need for transport. The strategic collaboration with Broward Health underscores Nicklaus Children's commitment to expanding access to advanced pediatric care. The success of this procedure could set a new standard for treating PDA in premature infants, potentially influencing healthcare policies and practices globally.
What we're watching
- Procedure Adoption
- How quickly other hospitals adopt this bedside procedure and whether it becomes the standard of care for premature infants.
- Outcome Improvements
- The impact of early intervention on lung recovery and overall outcomes for premature infants with PDA.
- Geographic Expansion
- The pace at which Nicklaus Children's expands this service to other NICUs within its growing network.
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