Services & Specialties
Cardiology Feeding Tube Wean Clinic

Get expert support to help your child with congenital heart disease safely transition from tube feeding to eating by mouth.
Service Line stock, Heart Institute, Patient Myles Davis is examined by Dr. Tom Ryan in clinic. Myles has cardiomyopathy.

Personalized Care to Help Your Child Eat and Drink After Heart Surgery

Many babies with congenital heart disease (CHD) need a feeding tube after heart surgery. A nasogastric (NG) tube or gastrostomy tube (G-tube) helps them get the nutrition they need to grow and recover.

Over time, many children are ready to begin eating by mouth. But making that transition can be difficult and stressful for families, and some children cannot do it without focused support. The Cardiology Feeding Tube Wean Clinic at Cincinnati Children’s helps children safely move from tube feeding to oral feeding with guidance from heart and feeding experts.

Our team evaluates your child’s heart health, growth and feeding skills. Then we create a clear plan to help your child gradually learn to eat and drink by mouth.

Why Choose Cincinnati Children’s Cardiology Tube Wean Clinic?

  • Team-based care with cardiology, feeding and nutrition specialists working together in one visit
  • Remote monitoring and telehealth support so many children can complete tube weaning safely from home
  • Dedicated nurse coordinator who guides families through the entire tube weaning process
  • Strong outcomes, with about 90% success for most patients and good results even in higher-risk children

Cardiac Tube Weaning Care and Expertise

National Expertise in Cardiac Tube Weaning

Our program focuses specifically on tube weaning for children with congenital heart disease. These children often have unique feeding challenges related to heart surgery, growth and recovery. Our team studies cardiac tube weaning outcomes and shares what we learn with other programs across the country.

Team-Based Feeding Evaluation

Your child is evaluated by a coordinated team that may include a cardiology provider, nurse, registered dietitian, speech therapist and lactation specialist. During the visit, we review your child’s medical history, check vital signs and observe a feeding. This team-based care helps us understand how heart health, nutrition and feeding skills work together.

Personalized Tube Weaning Plan

Every child receives a personalized weaning plan based on their heart condition, growth and feeding abilities. Parents track daily feedings and weight. Our team reviews progress and adjusts the plan to help your child transition safely.

Telehealth and Remote Monitoring Support

Many families complete tube weaning at home with guidance from our team. Families track weight, hydration and feeding progress. Our specialists review this information and provide regular video visits and check-ins to ensure your child stays safe and continues to grow.

Dedicated Support for Families

Families receive one-on-one support from a dedicated nurse coordinator throughout the process. Before your appointment, the nurse gathers records and prepares your child’s case for our weekly team review. During the weaning process, families receive regular check-ins, messaging support and video visits.