Services & Specialties
Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries (MAPCAs)

Get expert, personalized care for major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) from one of the nation's leading pediatric heart teams.

Dr. Ricci with patient, Hunter Branham, in the Heart institute

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Helping Children with MAPCAs Thrive

When your child has major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs), finding the right team can make all the difference. At Cincinnati Children's, our heart specialists have the experience and advanced tools to care for children with this rare, complex condition.

MAPCAs are extra blood vessels that carry blood to the lungs when the pulmonary arteries do not develop normally. Because every child is different, careful evaluation is essential. Our team uses advanced imaging, including cardiac CT, MRI and 3D virtual reality planning, to better understand your child's heart and guide treatment.

We use a nonsurgical catheter procedure to help pulmonary arteries grow in infancy. When your child is 8 to 12 months old, the vessels are usually developed enough for reconstruction.

Whether you need a diagnosis, surgery or a second opinion, we're here to help your family understand every option with confidence.

Why Choose Cincinnati Children's MAPCA Program?

Team-based care from pediatric heart surgeons, cardiologists, cardiac imaging specialists and intensive care experts working together on one treatment plan.
Advanced imaging and surgical planning using cardiac CT, MRI and 3D virtual reality technology to guide precision care.
Personalized treatment designed around your child's unique heart anatomy and medical needs.
Expert second opinions for families seeking answers about a diagnosis or treatment option.

Expertise in Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries (MAPCAs)

Nationally Recognized Heart Care

As one of the nation’s few comprehensive MAPCA programs, we treat families from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and beyond. After surgery, our team works closely with your local providers to coordinate ongoing care. Our strong partnerships with other healthcare centers ensure you can safely and confidently return home, supported by a connected network of experts. In addition, U.S. News and World Report ranked our Joint Pediatric and Congenital Heart Program, in conjunction with UK Golisano Children’s, as one of the top programs in the nation for cardiology and heart surgery.

Advanced Imaging Guides Every Decision

Understanding your child's heart is the first step in creating the best treatment plan. Our specialists use high-resolution cardiac CT, cardiac MRI and 3D virtual reality imaging to evaluate complex heart anatomy and prepare for surgery or catheter-based procedures with greater precision.

One Personalized Plan

No two children with MAPCAs are alike. That's why our team-based care brings together experts in heart surgery, interventional cardiology, cardiac imaging and cardiac intensive care to create a personalized treatment plan for your child. We also work closely with specialists in genetics, nutrition and radiology when needed to support your child's overall health.

Supporting Families at Every Step

Families often travel long distances for MAPCA care. We help coordinate testing and appointments whenever possible to make visits more convenient. Our team also provides second opinions, helping families better understand their child's diagnosis and treatment options with confidence. We're also located next to one of the world’s largest Ronald McDonald Houses, which provides support for families with long-term stays.

Learning that your child has a rare heart condition can feel overwhelming. You may have questions about the diagnosis, whether your child will need surgery and where to find the right team. We're here to guide your family with clear answers, thoughtful support and decades of experience caring for children with complex congenital heart disease.

Sean M. Lang, MD

Clinical Director, Cardiac MR

Conditions We Treat

Services & SpecialtiesMajor Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries (MAPCAs)