University of Kansas Adolescent and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program

Director's Description

The University of Kansas ACHD program was founded in 2001. Our team coordinates care based on the needs of each individual using evidence-based practices. In addition, we offer the following programs specific to people with ACHD:

*Transition of care. The University of Kansas Health System partners with Children’s Mercy Hospital to ensure patients comfortably make the transition from pediatric care to adult care.
*Single ventricle/Fontan surveillance. This program provides ongoing monitoring so potential complications can be addressed before they come up. We collaborate with a multidisciplinary team that includes a liver specialist to ensure our patients receive the most advanced, integrated and comprehensive care.
*Dedicated cardiovascular genetic counseling. Our expert genetic counselors work closely with patients and their families to help them make informed decisions about their health and provide support for managing hereditary risk.
*ACHD/electrophysiology. Our ACHD/electrophysiology program offers combined visits with an ACHD cardiologist and an ACHD-focused electrophysiologist for our patients with complex heart rhythm needs.
*Pulmonary valve care. We offer leading-edge surgical and transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement techniques, so you can feel confident you’re getting the best option for you.
*Cardio-obstetrics clinic. We offer collaborative care with your ACHD cardiologist and maternal fetal medicine specialists in a dedicated clinic.
*Advanced heart failure/transplant. Our ACHD team works closely with The University of Kansas Health System’s heart failure and heart transplant team to care for ACHD patients who need advanced heart failure therapies and/or transplant.
*Pulmonary hypertension. Our ACHD cardiologists and pulmonary hypertension specialists collaborate to provide optimal care for high pressure in the arteries in the lungs, a problem often associated with ACHD.
*Adolescent and young adult palliative care. We have a dedicated palliative care team for young adult patients who are living with congenital heart disease.
*Adults with Down syndrome program. We collaborate with our Down syndrome program to provide dedicated care to patients with Down syndrome who also have ACHD.