Adults with congenital heart disease face unique medical,
psychological, and social challenges. Duke’s patient-care team
helps make the transition from pediatric to adult care.
After complex defects are repaired during childhood, adults
can face increased risk of problems such as irregular
heartbeats or heart failure.
At Duke, the cardiac needs of these patients are managed
through the collaborative efforts of adult and pediatric
cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, specialized nurse clinicians,
and social workers.
An individualized cardiac health “passport” is given to
patients to provide them with a detailed description of their
cardiac issues.
Our comprehensive evaluation and care includes counseling
in:
- Genetics
- Athletic clearance
- Pregnancy issues
Diagnostic tests include:
- Cardiac catheterization
- Echocardiography
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Electrophysiology testing
- Computed tomography (CT scans)
- Nuclear cardiology
- Exercise tests
All of the current methods of treating adults with
congenital heart disease are available, including the use of
non-surgical occluder devices, stents, balloon valvuloplasty,
pacemaker therapy, defibrillators, and arrhythmia ablation.
A dedicated adult congenital surgical team is also a major
component of the group.
Physicians
Physicians offering this service include:
Locations
This service is available at:
