Dr. Stephen Nageotte headshot

This story first appeared in the 2024 winter edition of Leaps & Bounds.

Stephen Nageotte, MD, MBA, Director of the Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, is dedicated to transforming the lives of young patients with heart conditions. Nageotte and his team, along with his colleague Dr. Jesse Lee, use catheters (soft tubes) inserted through blood vessels to diagnose and treat a wide range of pediatric heart conditions. They can close holes in the heart or enlarge constricted vessels using balloons or stents with minimal trauma to the patient.

Before each procedure, he takes a moment to center himself, focusing on the child's face and the trust in his hands. He recognizes the profound responsibility and bond between families and their medical team.

Nageotte has encountered numerous inspiring patients throughout his career, including one child with a large hole between the top two chambers of his heart. Nageotte and his team successfully closed the defect with a device, and the child made a remarkable recovery.

"I have a handwritten card thanking me for helping him, and I remember the next time I saw him in the clinic, he ran up and gave me a big hug. I'm never going to forget that moment," Nageotte said.

Nageotte’s parents are obstetrician-gynecologists and introduced him to the world of medicine, but it was his interaction with young children that ignited his passion for pediatrics. "Every single patient is a little different than the last one." As he delved deeper into the field, he realized that the ever-changing clinical challenges and unique cases of pediatric cardiology were what truly captivated him.

Nageotte's work involves staying at the forefront of pediatric cardiology advancements. He is part of research projects on pulmonary valve replacement and premature closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). PDA is an extra blood vessel found in babies before and after birth. In most healthy babies, it will shrink and close on its own. However, often with premature babies, it stays open and may cause extra blood to flow to the lungs, Nageotte explains.

New valve technologies offer hope to patients who would otherwise require open-heart surgery, and minimally invasive procedures for premature infants can reduce their time in the NICU and on ventilators.

What sets pediatric cardiology apart for Nageotte is the potential to offer a lifetime of quality to his patients. By intervening early in a child's life, many cardiac issues can be addressed, allowing patients to enjoy normal and fulfilling lives.

Did you know that Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital has been ranked #22 in the nation for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report? To make an appointment for specialized care, or to see a primary care pediatrician, call 877-558-6248 or visit online.