About
Helping heal little hearts
Starlight Cardiovascular is developing much needed tools and devices to treat pediatric congenital heart defects (CHDs). Approximately 1.3 million babies are born each year with a CHD. Most of the tools used to treat these children were designed for adult conditions and anatomy, limiting their utility for pediatric patients. Starlight Cardiovascular is developing a portfolio of devices designed and tested specifically for pediatric CHD with the goals of improving morbidity, mortality, and access to care.
Unique aspects of pediatric CHD
At birth, a baby’s heart is approximately the size of a walnut
Neonate circulatory systems undergo rapid changes from fetal to infant circulation, with natural conduits closing within days
The cross-sectional area of the femoral artery, a common access point for catheterization, is twenty times larger in an adult than a neonate
What’s in a name?
The name Starlight Cardiovascular stems from the nursery rhyme "Star Light, Star Bright," which symbolizes a sense of hope for children and their future. The name also pays homage to Nina Starr Braunwald, a thoracic surgeon and one of the first women to perform open heart surgery. Her storied career took her to both San Diego (where Starlight is headquartered) and Boston Children's Hospital (where Starlight has deep ties via co-founder Dr. Pedro del Nido).
