Doctors Use New Tools to Mend Hearts
Congenital Heart Awareness Week Feb. 7-14

Advances in surgical techniques and equipment over the past few decades have made it possible to prolong the lives of many children who suffer from congenital heart disease. Today, more than one million adults are living with congenital heart defects.

Adults who were treated for congenital heart disease as children have an increased risk of developing cardiac-related problems later in life, such as heart rhythm irregularities, valve leakage, or inflammation of the heart.  Because these conditions do not always have noticeable symptoms, it’s important for patients to continue to see a congenital heart disease specialist throughout adulthood.

To address the unique needs of adults with congenital heart conditions, UT Medical Group offers specialty cardiac care at its Germantown office.  Located at 7945 Wolf River Boulevard, the adult congenital heart program provides diagnostic testing--including echocardiograms and electrophysiology--as well as pre-operative and post-operative surgical consultations.

"This very important initiative will significantly improve the care of our adults with congenital heart disease and provide an important resource for physicians in the Mid-South who care for these complex patients,” says Dr. Jeff Myers, chief of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery.

The adult congenital cardiac clinic cares for patients on the second and fourth Friday of each month. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 901-287-5995 or 1-866-278-4966.