Saint Peter’s Children’s Hospital is taking a major step forward in regional cardiac care with the appointment of renowned pediatric interventional cardiologist Dr. Rajiv Verma to lead its newly established Division of Pediatric Cardiology/Fetal and Adult Congenital Heart Center.
The new center is designed to be a “cradle-to-adulthood” resource, providing highly specialized care for congenital heart defects (CHD)—conditions present at birth that require lifelong monitoring. Dr. Verma, who is board-certified in both pediatric cardiology and adult congenital heart disease, brings decades of clinical excellence from prestigious institutions including Boston Children’s Hospital and New York University Medical Center.
One of the most critical aspects of the new center is its focus on Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD). As medical advancements allow more children with heart defects to survive into adulthood, there is a growing national shortage of specialists trained to treat them.
“Congenital heart disease refers to conditions present at birth and can affect patients of all ages,” Verma said. “At Saint Peter’s, we are focused on leveraging new technologies to provide advanced treatments for congenital heart disease close to home without open-heart surgery, when possible.”
The program integrates several specialized services to ensure no patient “ages out” of the system:
- Fetal Echocardiography: Advanced imaging for expectant mothers to diagnose heart conditions before birth, allowing for coordinated delivery plans with Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Neonatology teams.
- Newborn and Pediatric Consults: Management of complex CHD and acquired conditions like Kawasaki disease and pulmonary hypertension.
- Cardiac Evaluation During Pregnancy: A first-of-its-kind service at Saint Peter’s for women with pre-existing heart defects who are now navigating their own pregnancies.
- Advanced Diagnostics: Exercise and pulmonary function testing to assess the cardiac state of both children and adults.
The launch of the Heart Center coincides with a major infrastructure upgrade at the hospital. Leslie D. Hirsch, FACHE, president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, announced the near completion of an expanded and modernized Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
“Dr. Verma’s presence will enhance access to highly specialized services and provide an elevated experience for families,” Hirsch stated. “Our modernized PICU, consistently one of the busiest in the state, is ready to serve the growing demand for these critical services.”
Dr. Siva Jonna, physician-in-chief of Saint Peter’s Children’s Hospital, emphasized that Dr. Verma was chosen not just for his technical skill, but for his commitment to equity. “He believes that every child deserves the same level of attention and expertise,” Jonna noted. “By combining experience and access, we are expanding our role as a trusted resource for heart care in New Jersey.”
Location & Appointments: Saint Peter’s pediatric cardiology team provides both outpatient and hospital-based care. Families seeking evaluation for heart murmurs, chest pain, or known congenital conditions can schedule an appointment with Dr. Verma by calling 732.339.7460.
