San Antonio, TX – More children will have access to the advanced care that families from across the world seek at Methodist Children’s Heart Institute as a result of the addition of a second pediatric congenital cardiothoracic surgeon. Methodist Children’s Hospital announced today that Anastasios Polimenakos, M.D., has been named Medical Director of Methodist Children’s Heart Institute. He joins the Institute from Augusta University Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. Dr. Polimenakos’s arrival signifies the beginning of a long-term growth plan designed to continue to meet the needs of children with congenital heart defects.

Congenital heart surgery is always a delicate operation. Methodist Children’s Hospital has assembled a team of specialists with expertise in all areas to help provide the high quality, compassionate care needed for complex procedures. Methodist Children’s Hospital CEO, Court LeMaistre, says Methodist Children’s Heart Institute will continue to attract leading cardiologists and intensive care subspecialists to treat the most complex cardiac issues.

“The growth doesn’t stop here,” LeMaistre said. “As more and more families move to San Antonio and the surrounding areas, it is not only our priority, but also necessity that we continue to provide families access to the Methodist-quality pediatric heart care the community has come to know and expect.”

Methodist Children’s Heart Institute patients have access to the largest pediatric catheterization service in the region, which provides the latest in cardiac cath technology to perform minimally invasive, routine tests and noninvasive surgical procedures. The Institute also provides state-of-the-art pediatric cardiac radiology services with 3-D reconstruction capabilities.

Families who turn to Methodist Children’s Heart Institute are involved directly in establishing care plans tailored to their child’s unique, individual needs.

“Family is very, very close to my heart,” Dr. Polimenakos said. “The staff at Methodist Children’s Heart Institute already does a great job of making patients and their loved ones feel welcomed and cared for on a personal level. We will continue to encourage patients and family members to interact with their child’s care team on a personal level, at all times.”

Because the Institute partners with Methodist Heart Institute at Methodist Hospital, the care team is uniquely qualified to treat hearts of all sizes and offer continuous care from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood.