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Heart Center (Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Heart Center)

When it comes to your patient’s heart health, you want the best care available. At Children’s Nebraska, we offer expert cardiac care specifically tailored to the unique needs of children and young adults with congenital heart conditions.

About Us

When a child is born with a congenital heart defect, it can evoke a range of emotions for parents, from fear and uncertainty to determination and hope. At Children’s Nebraska, we are committed to providing expert cardiac care for your patients. From minor murmurs to complex heart defects, disorders and diseases, our Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Heart Center offers comprehensive care tailored to the needs of pediatric patients. Our specialized team delivers care for patients of all ages, from prenatal through young adulthood, ensuring the highest level of care at every stage of treatment.

Refer a Patient

Fax Referral Form

Fax completed forms to 402.955.6445.
Allow 48 hours for referrals to process.

Download Referral Form

Refer Patients Online

Referrals can be sent through our online portal. First-time users must click "Request New Account" to enroll.

Refer a Patient Online

Contact Us

Cardiology

Fax:

402.955.4356

Cardiac Diagnostic Services

Fax:

402.955.4357

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Fax:

402.955.4364

Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Fax:

402.955.4356

Meet Our Providers

At Children’s Criss Heart Center, our expert cardiac team is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for children with heart conditions. In addition to our specialized cardiac providers, the care team may include behavioral health specialists, child life specialists, dietitians, nursing case managers, pharmacists, social workers and more, all working together to support each child and family every step of the way. 

Christopher C. Erickson

Christopher C. Erickson, MD

Language: English

Specialties: Cardiology, Electrophysiology

Jason M. Cole

Jason M. Cole, MD

Language: English

Specialties: Pediatric Heart Failure and Transplantation Cardiology, Cardiology

Rachel A. Taylor

Rachel A. Taylor, MD

Language: English

Specialty: Cardiology

Matthew W. Sorensen

Matthew W. Sorensen, MD

Languages: Spanish, English

Specialty: Cardiology

Ameeta B. Martin

Ameeta B. Martin, MD

Language: English

Specialty: Cardiology

Alex J. Foy

Alex J. Foy, MD

Language: English

Specialty: Cardiology

Locations

Children’s Nebraska Specialty Pediatric Clinic – Sioux City

5500 Sergeant Road Suite 100, Sioux City, IA 51106

Children’s Nebraska Hospital

8200 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68114

Children’s Nebraska Pediatric Cardiology – Des Moines

330 Laurel Street Suite 2200, Des Moines, IA 50314

Related Specialties

Provider listening to young patient's heart.

Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) | For Providers

Specialized cardiac providers, adaptable care rooms and comprehensive services – all under one roof.
Provider listening to young girl's heart.

Cardiology | For Providers

When a child is diagnosed with a heart condition, it can be a time of uncertainty for families. At Children's Nebraska's Criss Heart Center, we provide comprehensive, expert cardiac care for your patients and their families. Our dedicated team supports them throughout the entire care process, ensuring they fully understand their child’s condition and treatment plan every step of the way.
Young patient in hospital bed.

Cardiothoracic Surgery | For Providers

Children’s Nebraska offers comprehensive pediatric cardiothoracic surgery, specializing in the treatment of congenital and acquired heart defects in children, including complex cases to ensure the best care for your patient.

Clinics and Programs

Patient Spotlight

Angelina’s Story: A Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survival Story

No one knows the impact school preparedness can have better than the Witcher/Schrader family from Lincoln, Neb. In January 2023, 9-year-old Angelina, a student at Kooser Elementary School, collapsed in her fourth-grade classroom during math.

Jagger’s Story: Heading Home After 548 Days in the Cardiac Care Unit

When Jagger was born prematurely with a congenital heart defect, his expected 6–8-week hospital stay stretched to 548 days in the Children’s Nebraska Neonatal Intensive Care and Cardiac Care Units. After numerous ups and downs with his condition, a long-awaited solution came in July 2023 when a life-changing biventricular repair meant he could finally head home.

Awards and Honors

  • Our Adult Congenital Heart Disease program is accredited by the Adult Congenital Heart Association and was the first in the nation to achieve reaccreditation.

  • Children's Pulmonary Hypertension Program is accredited by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association as a Regional Clinical Program. It is the first pediatric program to achieve this designation. 

  • Children's extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) team is recognized with the Platinum Level of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization's (ELSO) Award for Excellence.