Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Performs First Minima Stent Procedure for Infants with Congenital Heart Conditions

First FDA-approved stent designed specifically for the smallest patients with certain congenital heart and vascular conditions.

LONG BEACH, Calif., Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Children's Heart Institute at Miller Children's & Women's Hospital has successfully performed the Renata Minima Stent procedure in two patients, expanding treatment options for newborns and infants with narrowed blood vessels and certain congenital heart conditions who previously faced limited treatment alternatives. The minimally invasive procedure offers a new option for some of Miller Children's & Women's smallest patients. Unlike traditional stents, which may not be able to expand to adult size and may need to be replaced as a child grows, the Minima Stent can be placed in infancy and expanded over time to reach an adult-sized blood vessel, potentially preventing additional higher-risk surgeries.

The Minima Stent is the first FDA-approved stent system designed specifically to treat pulmonary artery stenosis or coarctation of the aorta in neonates, infants and children weighing at least 1.5 kg (3.3 pounds). Developed specifically for the smallest patients, it addresses a longstanding gap in pediatric heart and vascular care, as most stents currently available were originally adapted from adult use.

"This technology represents a meaningful advancement in how we care for our smallest and most vulnerable patients," said Saar Danon, M.D., medical director, Pediatric Cardiology & Congenital Cardiac Catheterization, Children's Heart Institute, Miller Children's & Women's Hospital. "Being able to place a stent that can grow with a child allows us to treat serious vascular conditions earlier while minimizing future surgeries."

The stent is implanted using a minimally invasive, catheter-based approach, typically through a vein or artery in the leg. This technique can help physicians avoid open-heart surgery in infants with vascular stenosis, a condition that restricts blood flow and places significant strain on the heart. By restoring normal blood flow, the procedure can help improve circulation and support healthy growth and development.

The procedure is performed in Miller Children's & Women's dedicated cardiac catheterization laboratory, which is equipped with advanced bi-plane imaging technology. This imaging allows physicians to view blood flow from two angles simultaneously, creating a detailed roadmap to guide precise treatment for each patient's unique anatomy.

The Children's Heart Institute provides prenatal, infant, pediatric and adult heart care for patients with congenital or acquired heart disease. Its multidisciplinary team includes pediatric cardiologists, congenital cardiac surgeons, cardiac intensivists, anesthesiologists, nurses and therapists who coordinate care from diagnosis through recovery and long-term follow-up. Children who need intensive monitoring after a procedure receive specialized care in Miller Children's & Women's dedicated Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit.

"For families facing an unexpected congenital heart diagnosis, having access to advanced treatment options close to home can make an overwhelming moment more manageable," said Dr. Cynthia Herrington, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon, Children's Heart Institute, Miller Children's & Women's Hospital. "Our goal is to support both patients and families at every step, from the initial diagnosis through recovery and beyond."

To learn more about the Children's Heart Institute at Miller Children's & Women's Hospital visit millerchildrens.org/heart.

About Miller Children's & Women's Hospital:

Miller Children's & Women's Hospital, part of MemorialCare, a not-for-profit, integrated healthcare system, is one of only eight free-standing children's hospitals in California; and one of three that treat women and children under one roof. Treating nearly 26,000 hospitalized children annually, the hospital has become a regional hub for over 66,000 children who require specialized outpatient care, through the Cherese Mari Laulhere Children's Village Outpatient Center and satellite centers in Torrance, Fountain Valley, and Irvine. With maternal-fetal medicine specialists and neonatologists available around the clock, Miller Children's & Women's ensures comprehensive care for high-risk pregnancies and premature infants, while being nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a High Performing Hospital for maternity care. Miller Children's & Women's leads in advanced technology is EOS system to reduce radiation exposure in kids and is the only California hospital to offer the 7D Surgical System for pediatric spine surgery. Visit millerchildrens.org.

SOURCE Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital