Thanks to medical and surgical advances in pediatric cardiology over the past 20 years, 85 percent of children who once faced death from congenital heart defects are now expected to reach adulthood.

These individuals, however, face unique medical, psychological, and social challenges.

Duke is one of only a handful of major specialty care facilities in the U.S. to emphasize comprehensive treatment of adults with congenital cardiac disease. A dedicated clinic and group of adult congenital cardiovascular specialists address the unique problems these patients may experience.

The group specializes in advanced treatment methods, including the use of catheter-based devices to correct problems without surgery, and has a surgical team dedicated to adults.

This clinic may also provide a vital link for older adolescents with congenital heart disease as they transition from pediatric heart care.