Kinser Hanson's story

Hello, my name is Kinser.

Kinser is the wildest little boy that I know of.

He's on the go.

When he was born, perfect. Just like any other little baby I've seen, I guess.

Healthy 8 pounds, 4 ounces.

I like to play pitcher and first base.

It's through the experience of hundreds of thousands of heart diagnoses, procedures, innovations, and research collaborations over the past 100 years that enables Mayo Clinic to help provide trusted answers for patients like Kinser and their families.

The chest x-rays came back that his heart was a little more enlarged, and they said it was heart related.

They took him into the cardiac NICU, performed a whole bunch of tests, and, I would say, within a couple hours, we knew what the problem was. He was diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries.

What they did was an arterial switch procedure.

Well, when I was five days old, I got heart surgery.

I had a baby brother that actually had heart surgery in Rochester when I was a year. In the '70s, you know, things weren't as advanced they are today. And he didn't make it, you know. He lived to be 13 days old. And that's all I could think about is — Oh my gosh, I'm going to lose my baby.

Both my parents had heart surgery in Mayo. We knew he was in the best possible place that he could be. If it weren't for them, he wouldn't be here.

To me, he can go do whatever he wants to. Be a little kid.

He's doing great.

I just tried to do a back flip off the board, and I did it. Wow, it was fun.

He's my little buddy.

When I grow up, I want to take over my dad's job. They saved my life.

Overview

Parents seeking the best treatment for their children with congenital (present at birth) heart disease have turned to Mayo Clinic Pediatric Cardiology for more than 60 years. Each year, clinic doctors evaluate and treat thousands of children and teenagers with congenital heart problems.

Pediatric and genetic cardiologists at Mayo Clinic's campus in Minnesota have extensive experience caring for children who have supraventricular tachycardia, inherited long QT syndrome, congenital heart defects and other heart conditions.

Team approach, tailored to your child's needs

Pediatric cardiologists at Mayo Clinic Children's Center work with specialists in many areas to provide exactly the care your child needs. Your child's cardiologist may consult with Mayo experts in pediatric cardiac surgery, heart rhythm specialists (electrophysiologists), anesthesiologists, nurses, therapists and other medical professionals. Together and with you, they arrive at an accurate diagnosis the first time and create a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan based on your child's specific condition.

Your child's team may also include a pediatric nurse practitioner, dietitians, medical geneticists (for disorders and diseases involving genes and heredity), physical and occupational therapists, and child-life specialists.

Latest treatments and technology

Mayo Clinic offers leading-edge technology for diagnosing pediatric heart conditions, and the latest devices that help the heart function properly. Your child may be seen in the Pediatric Electrophysiology Laboratory or at the Center for Congenital Heart Disease, where doctors use advanced technology and treatment options such as catheter-based therapies and minimally invasive surgery.

Heart Transplant Program

Mayo Clinic has one of the largest and most successful heart transplant programs in the United States, serving children and adults. If your child needs a heart transplant, an experienced team of pediatric experts from several specialties will work together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your child's needs.