Fetal Cardiology Program
FOR PARENTS
FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
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The Fetal Cardiology Program provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art diagnosis and care for the fetus with congenital heart disease.
Using high-resolution two and three-dimensional fetal cardiac imaging, in conjunction with quantitative spectral and color Doppler techniques, experienced fetal cardiologists perform detailed evaluations of fetuses at risk for heart disease, and diagnose and manage both simple and complex forms of fetal heart disease and murmurs.
Following every diagnosis we make, one of our fetal cardiologists provides a thorough explanation of the defect to the parent and family, along with a description of the anticipated fetal and neonatal course, possible surgical interventions, and long-term prognosis or outlook.
Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Approach
Our program works closely with individual obstetricians, radiologists, and perinatologists in our community to coordinate care of affected pregnancies.
In close collaboration with the hospital's Heart Institute and the Institute of Maternal-Fetal Health, we offer a comprehensive team-approach to management, with:
- State-of-the-art perinatology
- Highly specialized expertise in fetal interventions
- Comprehensive fetal and neonatal subspecialty care
- Seamless transition from fetal life to medical and surgical care of the newborn infant following delivery
- World-class congenital heart surgery, under the leadership of Vaughn Starnes, MD, at the Heart Institute.
Program Goals
Our goals are to provide:
- State-of-the-art prenatal and perinatal clinical care with the best possible outcomes for the fetal patient with congenital heart disease
- Educational resources for parents and families of children with congenital heart disease
- Educational resources for professionals interested in improving the prenatal detection of congenital heart disease
- Formal training in fetal cardiology to primary and four-year pediatric cardiology fellows, and to provide training in fetal cardiac imaging to radiology and obstetric residents, maternal-fetal medicine fellows, practicing obstetricians/perinatologists, and obstetric/cardiac sonographers
In addition, our final goal is to conduct clinical and translational research that improves the prenatal detection, diagnosis treatment and outcome of the fetus with congenital heart disease.
Mission
To optimize the lives of children with congenital heart disease through compassionate, comprehensive and state-of-the-art prenatal care, educational resources and training for laypersons and professionals, and patient-oriented clinical research.
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