Center of Excellence for Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)

We diagnose and treat

• Congenital malformation of cardiac chambers and connections (Q20)
• Congenital malformation of cardiac septum (Q21)
• Congenital malformations of pulmonary and tricuspid valves (Q22)
• Congenital malformations of aortic and mitral valves (Q23) 
• Other congenital malformations of heart (Q24)
• Congenital malformations of great arteries (coarctation of aortic, supravalvular aortic stenosis (Q25)
• Congenital malformation of great veins (Q26)
• Hereditary aortopathies;
• Other CHD, related conditions and their combinations.

We provide

• qualified consultations of a child and adult cardiologist, obstetrician-gynecologist, geneticist, and other specialists;
• psychological help provided to patients: counseling, overcoming emotional crisis, supportive therapy, relaxation techniques;

Treatment program for CHD in children

When a complicated congenital defect in the fetus is identified, the birth takes place in the perinatology clinic of VUL SK. The newborn is transferred to a specialized pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) when a critical defect is identified where medical, surgical, or interventional treatment is initiated. Surgical correction of defects or invasive intervention is performed as a matter of urgency or schedule, depending on the patient's condition and the complexity of the defect. Discussions of patients who have undergone surgery and are being prepared for surgery take place every morning with the participation of intensive care physicians, neonatologists, cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and anesthesiologists. Work plans are discussed at a meeting of pediatric cardiologists each week. Severe patients being prepared for surgery or interventional procedures are additionally discussed in the extended CHD treatment council with the participation of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, interventional cardiologists, and electrophysiologists. Patients treated at the Center of Excellence are constantly monitored at the Consultation Polyclinic by pediatric cardiologist.

CHD program for adults

The subdivision for CHD of adults and pediatric cardiologist consultation rooms have been established nearby to ensure patient comfort and continuity of treatment and outpatient monitoring. Patients are discussed at a weekly council of adult CHD that includes cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, radiologists, and other physicians. Patients in need of inpatient examination, interventional or surgical treatment are admitted to the hospital queue.

Planned discussions of medium and high risk pregnancies take place 1 time per month in a working group of obstetricians, gynecologists and cardiologists. Monitoring and childbirth plans are prepared for pregnant women. They are monitored in the Centers Of Excellence for CHD  and Perinatology.

CHD when pulmonary hypertension is suspected or detected are discussed at the weekly discussions of Center of Excellence for Pulmonary Hypertension which involve cardiologists, pulmonologists, radiologists, and other specialists working in the center. A study and monitoring plan is being developed and specific treatment for PAH is indicated according to the indications.

Some patients, if necessary, are discussed in the Councils of the Heart (3 times/week) or Heart Failure and Arrhythmias (1 time/week), and in the discussions of cardiogenics (1 time/month).

The Center of Excellence for CHD conducts clinical studies of international significance

• Efficacy and safety of oral non-vitamin K antagonists for the prevention of thromboembolic complications in persons with CHD  – “NOTE” registry.
• A Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group, Event-Driven, Group-Sequential Study with Open-Label Extension Period to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Selexipag as Add-On Treatment to Standard of Care in Children Aged ≥2 to <18 years with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension