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Cardiology

When a child is diagnosed with a heart condition, it can be a time of uncertainty for families. At Children's Nebraska's Criss Heart Center, we provide comprehensive, expert cardiac care for your patients and their families. Our dedicated team supports them throughout the entire care process, ensuring they fully understand their child’s condition and treatment plan every step of the way.

About Us

Some children are born with congenital heart disease that requires lifelong care, while others develop heart issues later in life. We provide expert care for both common and complex heart conditions, addressing your patient's unique needs at every stage of development.

Our care team is highly collaborative, working closely with providers across multiple specialties to ensure comprehensive care. In addition to pediatric cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, your patient's team may include specialists in Behavioral Health, Child Life, Nutrition, Pharmacy, Cardiac Anesthesiology, Cardiac Critical Care, Cardiac Diagnostics and more.

Refer a Patient

Fax Referral Form

Fax completed forms to 402.955.6445.
Allow 48 hours for referrals to process.

Download Referral Form

Refer Patients Online

Referrals can be sent through our online portal, EpicCare Link. First-time users must click "Request New Account" to enroll.

Refer a Patient Online

Contact Us

Cardiology

Fax:

402.955.4356

Cardiac Diagnostic Services

Fax:

402.955.4357

Conditions We Treat

At Children's Nebraska, we diagnose, monitor, treat and provide follow-up care for a wide range of pediatric heart and related conditions. We treat these and other types of heart disease:

Meet Our Providers

Meet Children’s cardiac experts who collaborate to provide comprehensive, high-level heart care.

Amanda J. Jepson

Amanda J. Jepson, DO

Language: English

Specialty: Cardiology

Vincent J. Gonzalez

Vincent J. Gonzalez, MD

Language: English

Specialties: Cardiology, Adult Congenital Cardiac Disease

Eyad K. Najdawi

Eyad K. Najdawi, MD

Languages: Arabic, English

Specialty: Cardiology

Jason T. Christensen

Jason T. Christensen, MD

Language: English

Specialty: Cardiology

Thomas E. Becker

Thomas E. Becker, MD

Language: English

Specialty: Cardiology

Sara K. Swanson

Sara K. Swanson, MD

Language: English

Specialty: Cardiology

Treatments and Services

The Cardiology team at Children’s provides highly individualized care, from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up care. Our experts will develop a personalized treatment plan to evaluate and manage heart conditions and other medical concerns. Related programs and services include:

Locations

Our cardiac experts work across specialties and locations to provide convenient and customized care. Treatment locations include:

Children’s Nebraska Specialty Pediatric Clinic – Sioux City

5500 Sergeant Road Suite 100, Sioux City, IA 51106

Children’s Nebraska

8200 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68114

Children’s Nebraska Pediatric Cardiology – Des Moines

330 Laurel Street Suite 2200, Des Moines, IA 50314

Related Specialties

Young patient in hospital bed.

Cardiothoracic Surgery | For Providers

Children’s Nebraska offers comprehensive pediatric cardiothoracic surgery, specializing in the treatment of congenital and acquired heart defects in children, including complex cases to ensure the best care for your patient.
Provider smiling with young patient.

Heart Center (Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Heart Center) | For Providers

When it comes to your patient’s heart health, you want the best care available. At Children’s Nebraska, we offer expert cardiac care specifically tailored to the unique needs of children and young adults with congenital heart conditions.
Provider talking to expectant mother.

Fetal Care Center | For Providers

Children’s Fetal Care Center provides support and resources for expectant parents whose babies are at high risk for serious birth defects or health conditions that may require advanced care immediately after birth. We provide diagnostic testing and collaborative, multidisciplinary care with specialty physicians.
Provider listening to young patient's heart.

Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) | For Providers

Children's Nebraska's Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) offers a dedicated space for the complete range of pediatric heart care. With specialized providers, flexible care rooms and a full spectrum of comprehensive services, we ensure seamless, high-quality care for every patient—all in one location.

Clinics and Programs

Patient Spotlight

Angelina’s Story: A Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survival Story

No one knows the impact school preparedness can have better than the Witcher/Schrader family from Lincoln, Neb. In January 2023, 9-year-old Angelina, a student at Kooser Elementary School, collapsed in her fourth-grade classroom during math.

Jagger’s Story: Heading Home After 548 Days in the Cardiac Care Unit

When Jagger was born prematurely with a congenital heart defect, his expected 6–8-week hospital stay stretched to 548 days in the Children’s Nebraska Neonatal Intensive Care and Cardiac Care Units. After numerous ups and downs with his condition, a long-awaited solution came in July 2023 when a life-changing biventricular repair meant he could finally head home.

What Sets Us Apart

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Pediatric Expertise

Our pediatric cardiologists, heart and vascular surgeons and specialized care teams have advanced training and expertise in treating even the most complex conditions.

Advanced Technologies

We offer world-class technology, from advanced diagnostics to minimally invasive treatments for heart conditions.

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Family-Focused Care

We understand and care about the unique needs of children of all ages and their families. We offer personalized education, resources and support.

Awards and Honors

  • Our Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program is accredited by the Adult Congenital Heart Association. It was the first in the nation to achieve reaccreditation.

  • Children's Pulmonary Hypertension Program is accredited by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association as a Regional Clinical Program. It is the first pediatric program to achieve this designation.

  • Children's extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) team is recognized with the Platinum Level of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization's (ELSO) Award for Excellence.