CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — June 5, 2025 — Driscoll Children’s Hospital celebrated a major milestone today with the grand opening of its expanded Heart Center. The $100 million project adds over 50,000 square feet of new space dedicated to advanced cardiac care, marking the largest investment in pediatric heart services in the hospital’s history.
The expansion includes two modern operating rooms, two advanced cardiac catheterization labs, and a new 35-bed Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU). Hospital leaders say the upgrades will allow Driscoll to care for more children with complex heart conditions while improving access to cutting-edge treatment close to home.
“This expansion isn’t just about more space—it’s about better care,” said Karen Long, Vice President of Clinical Operations at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. “We’re investing in our community’s children so they can receive the highest level of heart care right here in South Texas.”
The Driscoll Heart Center has become one of the nation’s top-performing pediatric cardiac programs. Over the past four years, the center has completed more than 600 congenital heart surgeries, achieving a 98.5% survival rate—well above national benchmarks. These outcomes place Driscoll among the best in North America, according to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
“Pediatric heart surgery requires skill, teamwork, and constant innovation,” said Dr. Stephen Langley, Medical Director of the Heart Center and Chief of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery. “This new facility strengthens our ability to care for the most complex cases and improves outcomes for every child we treat.”
More than 40 pediatric heart specialists work at the Heart Center, including cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, and support staff. The expansion ensures each member of the team has access to the latest technology and equipment.
“Every child we treat benefits from the hands of many,” said Dr. Daniel McKenna, Medical Director of Pediatric Cardiology. “With this new expansion, our team is better equipped than ever to deliver world-class care.”
As the South Texas population grows, Driscoll aims to perform more than 500 pediatric heart surgeries each year. To meet rising demand, the hospital is hiring more cardiologists and specialized staff. A new cardiology clinic has opened in El Paso to serve families in West Texas, and the Heart Center is launching the region’s first Mobile ECMO Program to support critically ill children during transport.
Driscoll Heart Center Expansion Highlights:
53,333 sq. ft. expansion: New Pavilion space spans two floors at the Corpus Christi hospital.
$100 million investment: The largest in the hospital’s pediatric heart program to date.
Two new operating rooms: Built for complex heart surgeries.
Two catheterization labs: Designed for less invasive and hybrid procedures.
35-bed CICU: Provides intensive care for the most vulnerable cardiac patients.
Driscoll’s expansion reflects a bold step forward in pediatric heart care, promising better outcomes for children across Texas and beyond.
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