HJNO Jan/Feb 2022

44 JAN / FEB 2022 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS CHILDREN’S HEALTH range of diagnostic and treatment services for patients with adult congenital heart dis- ease, including minimally-invasive proce- dures. Monitoring of ACHD Patients This at-risk patient population needs continuous monitoring throughout their lifetimes. Many will need further surgical or medical interventions at different stag- es in their life. Adult congenital cardiolo- gy care is multidisciplinary, provided via board-certified adult congenital cardiolo- gists, congenital cardiothoracic surgeons, congenital electrophysiologists, congenital interventional cardiologists, cardiac ra- COLUMN CHILDREN’S HEALTH diologists, a dedicated nurse practitioner and full-time registered nurse, as well as a heart center social worker and a clinical care coordinator. The adult congenital cardiologist can help to manage the congenital aspect of their heart condition. If a surgical or cath- eter-based procedure is needed, the entire team can work together with the patient to determine the best plan of care. Adult congenital cardiologists also care for patients with newly diagnosed congen- ital heart conditions that may not be dis- covered until they reached adulthood. The range of conditions treated by adult BECAUSE of the many advances inmedical care, the vast majority of people born with congenital heart defects are now living into adulthood. This highlights the importance of establishing programs that focus on car- ing for this specialized patient population. However, it is estimated that only 20% of adults living with congenital heart disease today are receiving the care they need. Adult congenital cardiology programs are designed to provide comprehensive care for adolescents and adults with con- genital heart disease regardless of age or illness severity. Specialized adult congen- ital cardiology clinics offer a complete TAKING SPECIAL CARE OF OUR ADULT CONGENITAL HEART POPULATION