Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I am getting care from a cardiologist and other doctors at home—why should I come to your program?

Simply put, we offer solutions that are not available or not commonly used at other major heart centers across the nation and world. For example, where some centers recommend a single ventricle repair and a single ventricle lifelong treatment path, we offer evaluation for a biventricular reconstruction to children and adults with a variety of complex congenital heart conditions. A biventricular reconstruction solution can dramatically change the expected long-term outcomes compared to single ventricle palliation (surgery).

We are known for treating rare and highly complex heart conditions in children and adults. An example of one such condition that we treat frequently is congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA). There are only a few cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons across the nation who specialize in this rare condition. Because we see so many children and young adults with advanced heart needs, we are able to think outside the box and often provide solutions that are uncommon at other centers.

We rely on collaboration with your hometown doctor to ensure the very best coordinated care to help provide lifelong care for you/your child.

How do I learn more or get my child evaluated for biventricular reconstruction?

The first step is to contact us via email or have your primary care physician or cardiologist contact us in the same manner. From there, we will request health records and schedule a visit with us for evaluation. We have specific evaluation criteria, so we sometimes require additional tests, which are performed here at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. We tailor evaluation visits to fit specific needs of each individual, and we welcome children and adults of all ages.

How can you coordinate care when we live far away?

After you see us for an evaluation, we form a collaborative relationship with you/your child’s primary care physician or cardiologist at home to carry out a care plan. Most doctors welcome the chance to collaborate on care because many of the conditions we treat are rare or extremely complex. If surgery is deemed beneficial, we encourage you to work with Social Services and Patient and Family Services at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health to create a plan for staying with us, including lodging accommodations.

Do you provide wraparound care for my child and my family?

Yes. We understand that deciding to undergo biventricular reconstruction is a major life decision. That’s why every patient and family that we care for in the Betty Irene Moore Children’s Heart Center has a team of several providers and specialists that work alongside our Complex Biventricular Reconstruction care team. We collaborate to provide all-around care for you/your child’s physical, psychological, and social needs, including helping you/your child cope with emotions and tackle challenges that undergoing such a surgery brings. 

Meet our care team >