Our Patients
Heart Care Empowers Uduak to Take Her Life Back
Heart care at Stanford Health Care allowed Uduak to take her life back and return to the things she loves, like gardening, painting, and running.
Adult Congenital Heart Program
Part of Cardiovascular Health
Multidisciplinary Care of ACHD
The ACHD Program provides comprehensive care to patients with ACHD. Our multi-disciplinary team focuses on adult care and support for patients with ACHD.
300 Pasteur Drive
3rd Floor, A32
Stanford,
CA
94305
Phone: 650-724-9220
What We Offer You for Adult Congenital Heart Program
Nationally Recognized
We offer patients comprehensive diagnostics, lifestyle counseling, medical management, and interventional and surgical treatments for the full spectrum of conditions related to congenital heart defects. All of our cardiologists are board certified in adult congenital heart defects. We work with our referring providers to ensure that their congenital heart patients are managed in a sub-specialized and collaborative environment that offers the best specialty treatment options available.
HEART DISEASE IS PREVENTABLE.
What we offer
The Adult Congenital Heart Program at Stanford specializes in treating adults who were born with congenital heart defects. Although most patients will have undergone corrective surgery, some may not have been previously treated, or may have recently discovered complex residual conditions requiring therapy involving drugs, interventional procedures, or surgery.
The Adult Congenital Heart Program at Stanford offers:
- Leading cardiothoracic surgeons who are experts in repairing congenital heart lesions across all age groups.
- A highly specialized program specifically designed for adolescent and adult patients with congenital heart defects.
- Advanced treatment options for pulmonary valve repair in patients with tetralogy of Fallot, transcatheter ASD closure, and pulmonary valve replacement, as well as alternative therapies such as ventricular assist devices and heart/lung transplantation.
Our collaboration and accreditation
The Adult Congenital Heart Program at Stanford—a collaboration between Stanford Children's Health and Stanford Health Care—is an Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Accredited Program. This makes the Adult Congenital Heart Program a premier comprehensive care center in the U.S. for congenital heart defect patients.
Our program focuses on a smooth transition from pediatric cardiology to adult heart care that continues to provide comprehensive, ongoing care to adult patients throughout their life.
Accreditation by the ACHA ACHD acknowledges that a center has the capability to bring high quality of care to congenital heart diseaes patients. This includes:
- Seamless transition from pediatric to adult oriented care with a highly specialized program specifically designed for adolescent and adult patients. Visit iheartchange.org to find resources for pediatric patients with congenital heart defects who are transitioning to adult care.
- Comprehensive, multidisciplinary care from leading experts in congenital heart defects and other cardiovascular specialties.
- Access to physicians and care facilities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Access to clinical trials and the most advanced treatment options.
- Specialized treatments for patients with a single ventricle.
- Transcatheter ASD closure and pulmonary valve replacement.
- Surgical pulmonary valve repair for patients with tetralogy of Fallot.
- Innovative treatment options for Ebstein's anomaly.
- Alternative therapies like ventricular assist devices for end stage heart failure.
- Coordinated care with heart failure.
- Pre-pregnancy counseling and risk stratification; contraception and genetic counseling.
- High-risk pregnancy management with our maternal fetal medicine team.
We also offer a Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) to provide an ongoing level of support and quality of care to patients and their families.
The Adult Congenital Heart Program at Stanford treats the full spectrum of pediatric and adult congenital heart diseases. To learn more about pediatric congenital heart diseases, visit Stanford Children's Health.
Anomalous coronary artery (ACA)
Present at birth, a coronary artery that has an abnormality or malformation, most often related to the origin or location of the coronary artery.
Aortic stenosis
The narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart which restricts blood flow through the valve and forces the heart to contract harder to pump blood into the aorta.
Arrhythmias in congenital heart disease
Arrhythmias can pose serious threats to people with congenital heart disease. Supraventricular arrhythmia is the most frequent problem, with a lower incidence of ventricular arrhythmia.
Coarctation of the aorta
A congenital heart defect involving a narrowing of the aorta.
Ebstein's anomaly
A malformation of the tricuspid valve (located between the upper and lower chambers on the right side of the heart) into the right bottom chamber of the heart (or right ventricle).
Eisenmenger syndrome
A congenital heart defect condition which causes blood flow from the left side of the heart to the right side of the heart and progresses over time as a result of the effects of high blood pressure in the lungs.
Single ventricle
A congenital heart defect that occurs due to abnormal development of the fetal heart during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. Because of the improper development of the fetal heart, the left or right ventricle may be underdeveloped.
Congenital heart disease
A defect in the structure of the heart and associated vessels, present at birth.
Volume & Outcomes
The Adult Congenital Heart Program at Stanford has quickly grown to have some of the highest surgical volumes in the country, demonstrating our experience and superior outcomes.
The 30-day survival rates above reflect adult congenital heart surgeries performed from 2019-2021.
INNOVATION HIGHLIGHTS
Through our research on genetics, imaging and clinical and surgical outcomes of adults with congenital heart disease, we aim to better understand the underlying causes and provide the best possible treatment options for our patients. We participate in multicenter trials across North America and internationally to further knowledge in the care of our patients.
All of our team members are involved in a variety of research projects. Visit our faculty profiles to learn more about research within the Divisions of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Treatments
The Adult Congenital Heart Program at Stanford treats the full spectrum of pediatric and adult congenital heart diseases. To learn more about pediatric congenital heart diseases, visit Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.
Aortic homograft
A procedure in which a damaged aortic valve is replaced with a donor valve.
Aortic valve replacement
A procedure in which a damaged aortic valve is replaced with a valve from a human or animal, or a mechanical valve.
Balloon dilation
A cardiac catheterization procedure in which a small is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin and guided to the inside of the heart where the balloon is inflated to stretch an obstructed artery open.
Phlebotomy
A procedure that removes blood from the body.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
A less invasive procedure for patients with severe aortic stenosis, using an artificial aortic valve.
Tricuspid valve surgery
Surgical treatment to repair or replace the tricuspid valve.
Valvotomy
A surgical release of scar tissue within the aortic valve that is preventing the valve from opening properly.
Pulmonary autograft (Ross procedure)
A
section of the patient's own pulmonary artery with the pulmonary valve
intact is used to replace the aortic valve and a section of the
ascending aorta.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future.
Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.
Your Care Team
Your Doctors
Adult Congenital Heart Disease Cardiologist
View All {0} Adult Congenital Heart Disease Cardiologists »
Academic Medical Center (AMC) Roles
Stanford is an Academic Medical Center, which is a type of hospital setting where doctors teach the entire spectrum of medical education. Students range from beginning medical students to fully licensed and practicing doctors completing advanced sub-specialty training. Stanford Medicine is a partnership between Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Health Care. Since Stanford is a teaching hospital, you can expect to meet many providers and providers in training.
- Attending Physician: a doctor who supervises doctors in training or in medical school
- Fellow: a doctor doing postgraduate level work and specializing in care of patients with specific conditions
- Resident: a doctor who has graduated from medical school and is in training (also called “residency”) here at Stanford. A resident is also called an intern
- Medical Student: a student who is currently enrolled in medical school with the goal of becoming a doctor
Extended Care Team
Advanced Practice Providers (APP)
Our skilled physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) have special training in diagnosing and treating adult congenital heart disease. They see patients independently as well as with a doctor. APPs can give you an exam, write prescriptions, and help prevent or treat many issues.
Susan M. Fernandes, LPD, PA-C
Program Director
Emily Dong, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Allison Leibold, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Carrie Scribner, NP
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Coordinator
Kristina Fontecha, RN, BSN
Nurse Coordinator
Paulina Munka, BSN, RN, PHN
Nurse Coordinator
Loren Monticelli, RN
Nurse Coordinator
Administrative Team
Desiree Flores
Administrator
Maria Tirador-Carter
Administrator
Ana Garcia-Mendoza
Administrator
Lissette Tunchez, MA
Administrator
Support Services
At Stanford, we take care of the details so that you can focus on your health and wellness. We offer a wide range of support services to promote healing and improve your quality of life.
- Case Management
- Financial Counseling
- Guest Services
- Integrative Medicine (acupuncture, massage)
- Interpreter Services
- Lifestyle Modification Support
- Spiritual Care
- Stanford Health Library
Features
New Statement on Non-Cardiac Complications of Congenital Heart Disease Help Patients and Providers
Today there are more adult survivors of congenital heart disease than children with congenital heart disease. A new report offers guidance on other organs that can be impacted by congenital heart disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are your services covered by insurance?
Depending on your insurance coverage, most often the services are covered if you have been diagnosed with congenital heart disease. It is always best to check with your insurance company first.
How do I reschedule my appointment?
If you need to reschedule your appointment for any reason, please call us at 650-724-9220. We appreciate a call at least one week prior to your new patient visit if your plans change for any reason.
As a pediatric patient, how do I transition to an adult cardiologist?
The Adult Congenital Heart Program at Stanford Health Care offers a seamless transition from pediatric to adult oriented care with a specialized program specifically designed for adolescent and adult patients. Also, visit iheartchange.org to find resources for pediatric patients with congenital heart disease who are transitioning to adult care.
How do I prepare for an appointment?
- Before your visit, please mail or fax all records related to your congenital heart disease care. Include clinical notes, imaging reports and discs, surgical and catheterization reports, and hospital discharge summaries. Our team will review these records and order appropriate tests.
- You will be emailed a patient questionnaire form; please fill this out and bring it to your appointment.
- Please bring the results of any requested laboratory tests.
- Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
- Most appointments at clinic have tests scheduled prior to your medical appointment; make sure you know what time your tests are scheduled.
- Plan to be at the clinic for approximately two hours.
For Health Care Professionals
PHYSICIAN HELPLINE
Phone: 1-866-742-4811
Fax: 650-320-9443
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Fax: 650-320-9443
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Stanford Health Care provides comprehensive services to refer and track patients, as well as the latest information and news for physicians and office staff. For help with all referral needs and questions, visit Referral Information.
You may also submit a web referral or complete a referral form and fax it to 650-320-9443 or email the Referral Center at ReferralCenter@stanfordhealthcare.org.
Patients benefit from receiving quality coordinated care offered by our multidisciplinary team. Through evidence-based practice and research, our team works together to promote the best healing environment at Stanford Health Care.
HOW TO REFER
To refer a patient, call us at 650-724-9220. Fax a referral form with supporting documentation to 650-320-9443.
Make An Appointment
To request an appointment with an adult congenital heart specialist, please call 650-724-9220.