Congenital heart disease is caused when abnormal heart development before birth causes problems with a heart's structure and function.

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 specialists offer:

• Evaluation and management: Counseling and diagnostic tests
• Non-surgical treatments: Catheter-based techniques and minimally invasive surgery
• Surgical treatments: Mini-thoracotomy and minimally invasive approaches

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

The adult congenital heart disease service is part of the Duke Division of Cardiology, the Duke Division of Pediatric Cardiology, and the Duke Heart Center.