Pediatric and Congenital Interventional Cardiac Catheterization
Program Overview
Over the past two decades there have been significant advancements in the development of catheter based therapies for congenital and structural heart disease (CSHD) such that treatment of many disorders which once required open cardiac surgical procedures can now be done less invasively. This field which has been pioneered by evolution of percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects has gained increasing traction with the emergence of percutaneous valve repair and replacement. The newly emerging field of Structural Heart Disease Intervention is different from traditional interventional cardiology which has focused on coronary and peripheral vascular interventions. Structural Heart disease which is defined as those acquired or congenital cardiovascular pathologies that involve the major central cardiovascular structures outside the acquired atherosclerotic coronary and vascular pathologies has been devoid of formalized training paradigms. The cognitive and technical skill sets for CSHD interventions are unique and considerably different from those required for traditional Interventional cardiology. It is anticipated that there will be continued growth in CSHD interventional procedures both in terms of volume and breadth. Because of this anticipated growth there is a clear and unmet need for defining the training requirements for physicians intending to perform CSHD interventions and to provide formalized programs to provide physicians with appropriate acquisition of cognitive and technical skillsets required to safely and effectively carryout SHD interventions.
Advancements in the treatment of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) has resulted in these patients surviving well into adulthood. The numbers of adults with CHD now exceed children and it is anticipated that this number will continue to increase. These patients will require additional procedures and the number of proceduralists skilled in caring for these patients is not adequate to meet the current or future needs of this subset of patients. There is robust clinical data which suggest that interventional outcomes for patients with CHD are improved when performed by individuals specifically trained in CHD procedures.
It is the purpose of the SHD fellowship to provide training to address these unmet needs.
1. Ability to obtain concise history and organize an appropriate care plan
2. Ability to perform an accurate physical examination
3. Detailed knowledge of the diagnostic approach, treatment options, post-procedure care and long-term follow-up of patients with CHD/SHD
4. Acquisition of cognitive and technical skillsets for the disorders and procedures listed above
5. The development of competency in dealing with specific patient subsets with common problems for whom specific expertise is required such as the geriatric population, women and adolescents
6. Development of humanistic qualities and interaction with patients with an emphasis on respect, compassion and a general approach of patient centered care.
7. The development of communication skills that stress discussion of matters of importance in easy to understand terms.
8. An understanding of the ethical basis of medicine and the patient-physician relationship
9. An ability to work in the context of a member of team of health care professionals working together to provide the best possible patient care
Key Rotations
- Pre-procedure clinic
- Catheterization Laboratory
- Post-procedure clinicCath On-call
- Weekly CHD/SHD conferences which would include periodic M&M
- SHD/CHD journal club
List any requirements specific to the fellowship program (e.g. x years of post-residency experience required).
Post-fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology
Program Director Name: Prof. Younes Boudjemline
GME Email: gme@sidra.org
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