Cardiovascular Diseases in Minnesota

Mayo Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic in Rochester

Adult Congenital Providers

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One of every 100 babies is born with congenital heart disease (CHD), which is a malformation of the heart or major blood vessels. Fifty years ago, many of these babies couldn't survive. Today, thanks in part to the medical and surgical advances and expert care available at Mayo Clinic's Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic, people with these anomalies are living long, healthy lives.

Having served thousands of patients over the past 18 years, the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester is one of the largest and most specialized clinics of its kind in the nation. In fact, the entire multi-disciplinary team – from the cardiologists to nurses to technicians – is specially trained in the complex anatomy and physiology of people with CHD. With the latest technology and knowledge in expert hands, patients get reliable diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.

See list of congenital heart disorders treated at Mayo.

Expert, continuous care

Because even minor procedures and lifestyle changes can become life threatening for people with CHD, they require specialized care throughout their lives. The Congenital Heart Disease Clinic provides advice and consultation on everything from minor surgery to pregnancy to heart surgery; when a CHD patient is admitted to the hospital for any reason, a congenital cardiologist participates on the health care team to advise from a cardiac perspective. This continuity of care is critical, because these patients' complex anatomy can cause a number of complications that only a specialist would know to consider. Our staff also fosters relationships with primary physicians, communicating the treatment plan and offering a resource for physician or patient questions.

Focus on education

Because of the unique issues related to each form of CHD, it is very important for each patient to understand his or her anatomy. The cardiologists, nurse practitioners and nurses at the CHD Clinic advise each patient on their particular condition, previous surgeries and treatments, and continuing care. When an issue does arise, patients are better equipped to know how to handle it; and, clinic nurses are available by phone to answer questions and concerns.

Research legacy gives hope

The Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular team was one of the first in the nation to perform open heart surgery to repair a congenital heart defect, and today Mayo Clinic surgeons have performed a large number of complex CHD repairs with excellent results. In addition, the large body of clinical research on CHD has helped cardiologists better understand the best therapy for a particular defect, the optimal timing and type of surgery and other issues. Now, nearly 40% of all patients seen at the Congenital Heart Disease Clinic are over 40 years old  --  Mayo's research tradition, coupled with the best in patient care, gives today's patients hope of living healthy to an old age.

Complex issues, simple goal

The Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic's goal is to ensure that patients born with congenital heart disease will live long, healthy lives. This is accomplished by providing research-based, cutting-edge care by medical professionals with special expertise in the complexities of CHD.

Appointments

Patients may be referred by their physicians or make an appointment on their own. To schedule an appointment with the Mayo Clinic Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic, please call 507-284-3328, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central Time.

Physician Staff

Carole A. Warnes, M.D., Clinical Director
Naser M Ammash, M.D.
Frank Cetta, M.D.
Heidi M. Connolly, M.D.
Martha Grogan, M.D.
Sabrina D. Phillips, M.D.