Aimee Armstrong, M.D., is leading research at Johns Hopkins Medicine to eliminate radiation exposure during pediatric cardiac catheterization procedures [1].

Reducing radiation is critical for children born with congenital heart disease, as these patients often require multiple interventions throughout their lives. Minimizing exposure helps lower long-term health risks for both the pediatric patients and the medical staff performing the procedures [1, 2].

Based at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, Maryland, Armstrong serves as the director of pediatric cardiology and congenital interventional cardiology [1]. In her clinical role, she treats children with complex heart defects and performs cardiac catheterizations to repair structural issues in the heart [1, 2].

While catheterizations are essential for treating congenital heart disease, they traditionally rely on imaging that uses radiation. Armstrong is researching ways to conduct these procedures without such exposure, or by significantly reducing it, to improve patient outcomes [1, 2].

"Our goal is to eliminate radiation from pediatric cardiac catheterization whenever possible," Armstrong said [1].

Industry observers note that these efforts are part of a broader shift in interventional cardiology. TCTMD reported that cardiologists like Armstrong are pioneering techniques that dramatically cut radiation exposure for both patients and staff [2].

By refining these techniques, the center aims to maintain the precision required for complex pediatric heart surgery while removing the biological risks associated with repeated radiation doses [1, 2].

“"Our goal is to eliminate radiation from pediatric cardiac catheterization whenever possible,"”

The push toward radiation-free or radiation-reduced imaging in pediatric cardiology addresses a cumulative risk factor. Because children with congenital heart disease often require lifelong care and repeated interventions, the total lifetime dose of radiation can become a significant health concern. Shifting toward alternative imaging techniques could set a new standard of care for pediatric interventional cardiology globally.