Pop quiz! You’re a patient with structural heart and valve disease, and you need a consult. Who do you contact for an appointment: A cardiologist or a cardiac surgeon?
Although either physician is qualified to guide a patient toward a treatment plan, the combined perspective of both heart specialists is ideal. That’s the premise of the Yale New Haven Health System’s new Structural Heart and Valve Service, which formally integrates the expertise of multiple disciplines to optimize patient outcomes.
“The purpose of this service is to provide fully integrated, surgical and medical heart care from the time of the time of the initial admission, through the consult and chosen procedure,” said Dr. Abeel Mangi, Surgical Director, Structural Heart and Cardiac Valve Program of Yale New Haven Hospital.
“We believe that this team approach will result in better care and outcomes for the patients and allow them to be better informed about whichever approach is selected.”
Dr. Mangi led the development of the service together with Chief of Cardiac Surgery, Dr. Arnar Geirsson, and cardiologists, Drs. Ryan Kaple and John Forrest. Collectively, the team provides expertise in cardiac surgery, structural interventional cardiology, heart failure cardiology and imaging cardiology, as well as the support of nurse coordinators.
Treatment options range from open surgery, minimally invasive surgery, transcatheter valve repair or replacement and medical therapy.
“A comprehensive ‘heart team’ approach to specific disease categories will be an integral part of future healthcare delivery systems and early adoption will set the Heart and Vascular Center at YNHH apart in the local area as well as the wider New England region, said Francine LoRusso,” Vice President and Executive Director for Heart and Vascular Services at YNHHS.
In addition to the in-patient service at YNHH York Street, out-patient valve clinics take place weekly at YNHH and across the health system, with locations at Bridgeport, Greenwich, Waterford, and the VA.