Better Care Through Better Imaging

The Heart Institute’s Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Program is a pioneer in combining imaging and diagnostic services and performs approximately 1,000 cardiac MRIs annually and we currently perform around 1,000 CMR scans a year. Through our collaboration, we can diagnose and monitor your child’s condition, as well as assist in preparing plans for the most appropriate treatment, all in a seamless and effective process.

We leverage the strengths of our collaboration, with a team including pediatric cardiologists, Sean Lang, MD, Ryan Moore, MD, and Hieu Ta, MD, and pediatric radiologists Robert Fleck, MD, Eric J. Crotty, MBBCh, Cara Morin, MD, Murat Kocaoglu, MD, and Aki Tanimoto, MD. Our physicians have had additional, focused training in pediatric cardiac MRI. Our program also relies on the important work of our clinical staff including over 20 MRI technicians and post-processing imaging specialists.

Clinical CMR Service

The comprehensive clinical cardiac MRI service at Cincinnati Children's performs scans on children and adults with many forms of congenital and acquired heart disease. The program has developed a unique expertise in the assessment of cardiomyopathy associated with neuromuscular disease. We also have expertise in scanning adults with congenital heart disease, infants with complex congenital heart disease and genetic disorders with associated cardiac disease such as Turner's syndrome.

The clinical Cardiac MRI Program utilizes the latest diagnostic technology with the introduction of a new 1.5T dedicated cardiac scanner on the cardiac floor in 2014. This cardiac scanner performs the bulk of the cardiac imaging with a focused team and an associated Cardiology Admission and Recovery Unit (CARU). The CARU provides a site for pre-procedural preparation and outpatient recovery after cardiac MRI and cardiac catheterization procedures requiring anesthesia. These services are all performed on the cardiac floor to minimize need for patient transport and to provide for safer and more comprehensive care.

The Heart Institute’s cardiac MRI program is also on the forefront of programs in the nation, thanks to our use of "video sedation” which allows younger patients to watch movies in virtual reality. Additionally, sedation or anesthesia is provided for all cardiac patients if needed by dedicated cardiac anesthesia faculty, ensuring safer procedures whenever necessary.