Developments in Pediatric Cardiac Intervention and Surgery Research: A Global Bibliometric Analysis (2002-2026)

Abstract

Advances in pediatric cardiac interventions and surgery have substantially improved the management of congenital and acquired heart diseases in children. However, the global research landscape, including its evolving themes and patterns of scientific collaboration, remains insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to examine global research trends, thematic developments, and collaborative networks in pediatric cardiac interventions and surgery from 2002 to 2026 through bibliometric analysis. Bibliographic records were retrieved from Scopus using a predefined search strategy encompassing pediatric cardiology, pediatric cardiac interventions, pediatric cardiac surgery, and congenital heart disease. Bibliometric analyses were conducted using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer to assess publication trends, citation patterns, leading authors, institutions, countries, journals, international collaborations, and keyword co-occurrence networks. A total of 1,326 publications from 390 sources were identified, involving 6,372 authors, with an average of 21.22 citations and 6.72 authors per document. Annual publication output increased markedly after 2012, reaching its highest level around 2025. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified congenital heart disease as the central research theme, with strong connections to cardiac surgery, cardiac catheterization, cardiopulmonary bypass, postoperative care, and acute kidney injury. The United States accounted for the largest share of publications (449; 33.86%), whereas the United Kingdom and Canada exhibited higher proportions of international collaboration. Boston Children’s Hospital emerged as the most productive institution, while Pediatric Critical Care Medicine was identified as a leading publication outlet. Overall, the findings reveal an evolving research landscape in which procedural interventions are closely interconnected with perioperative management and postoperative complications. Differences in national research productivity and international collaboration patterns highlight opportunities to strengthen cross-border research partnerships and promote more integrated investigations across the continuum of pediatric cardiac care.