The CHSS' purpose is to associate persons interested in, and carry on activities related to, the science and practice of congenital heart surgery.
[citation needed] In 1985 Dr. John Kirklin and Dr. Eugene Blackstone proposed that the centers pool their experience and data in managing infants with rare congenital anomalies of the heart.
The CHSS sponsors and oversees multi-institutional clinical studies evaluating the application of surgical interventions in congenital heart disease.
[2] The mission of the Data Center is to improve care for patients with congenital heart disease through collaborative research.
[3] The CHSS also collaborates with other professional organizations to advance care of the children with heart diseases.