Advanced Diagnostics Services and Treatments for Heart Disease at University Hospitals

Our board-certified physicians at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital’s and  University Hospitals adult congenital heart disease program are highly trained in all areas of heart care, using leading-edge diagnostic technology for evaluation, diagnosis and continued monitoring. Our team of specialists offer the following state-of-the-art, advanced diagnostic services:

• Cardiac catheterizations – diagnostic and interventional
• Cardiac computed tomography (CT)
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and angiography (MRI/MRA)
• Echocardiograms (transthoracic, transesophageal, intracardiac)
• Electrophysiology studies
• Exercise stress tests
• Intravascular ultrasound

Adult Congenital Heart Disease Interventional Program

After an evaluation and consultation, our team may recommend a comprehensive interventional approach that combines the expertise of both adult congenital heart disease specialists and adult cardiologists.

Available transcatheter therapies include:

• Angioplasty and stenting of coarctation of the aorta
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement
• Device closure of septal defects
• Mitral valve repair
• Occlusion of coronary fistula
• Other complex congenital interventions
• Patent ductus arteriosus closure
• Pulmonic valve replacement
• Valve-in-valve replacement

We offer some of the most advanced technologies available for interventional heart care, including access to the advanced hybrid cardiac catheterization and surgical suites at UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. Designed for both children and adults, this state-of-the-art facility allows our team to perform even the most complex interventional cardiology procedures, including open heart surgery, using the most advanced technology available worldwide.

Heart Transplant Clinic

Patients in more advanced stages of heart failure, may be referred to our heart transplant program. This team will evaluate each patient, based on their individualized needs, for mechanical circulatory support, which could possibly include heart transplant or heart-lung transplant.

Novel Treatments for Adult Congenital Heart Disease

With the wealth of leading-edge research available on treating adult congenital heart disease, our physicians at University Hospitals may recommend medically advanced novel therapies, including:

• A bioresorbable (biodegradable) stent that is inserted into a narrowed blood vessel to increase flow and prevent future blockage
• Implantable hemodynamic monitoring systems to follow pressures in the heart while the patient is at home
• New transcatheter valves and valve repair strategies to avoid needing to go to the operating room for open heart surgery