Cardiology Division Patient Care Services Adult Congenital Heart Disease Service

Adult Concgenital Heart Disease Service

Referring Patients: Patients can be referred to UWMC Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic by calling the Cardiology Outpatient Clinic at (206) 598-4300. We are happy to provide single or periodic evaluations with long-term care provided by the referring physician, or we can assume primary care for the patient's cardiac condition.

The diagnosis and management of patients with congenital heart disease requires the collaborative efforts of specialists in different aspects of cardiology and related medical fields. At the University of Washington Medical Center, we offer an integrated approach to these patients. Dr. Karen Stout has advanced training and expertise in management of Adult Congenital Heart Disease and she sees patients both at the University of Washington Medical Center and Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center. Patients are also seen by Dr. Catherine Otto or Dr. David Linker, co-directors of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic. Dr. Otto has a special interest in this area. Dr. Linker is board certified as both an adult and pediatric cardiologist, and has 15 years of experience in this area.

Available Services

• Expert transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic examinations and cardiac catheterization.
• Evaluation by our Arrhythmia Service for patients with significant arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, or permanent pacers.
• Management via our pharmacologist-supervised Anticoagulation Clinic for patients on coumadin.
• Close collaboration with the high-risk obstetrical clinic to ensure an optimal maternal and fetal outcome for young women with congenital heart disease, we well as advice about contraceptive options and the potential risks of childbearing.
• In those considering pregnancy, genetic evaluation and counseling through the UWMC Genetics Clinic.
• Percutaneous interventions in patients with adult congenital heart disease, including balloon valvuloplasty and percutaneous closure of cardiac defects.
• Expert surgical interventions, with collaboration between cardiac surgeons based at University of Washington Medical Center and Children's Hospital & Regoinal Medical Center.
• For patients with severe heart failure, referral to our Heart Transplant Clinic to evaluate for possible heart and/or lung transplantation.