In the theater world, there are two basic rules: Don’t say “Macbeth” in a theater, and the show must go on. But what if you’ve gone in for your annual heart checkup and learned you need an aortic valve surgery to treat aortic regurgitation? It was a reality that 27-year-old Clayton Bliss found himself in…
Single ventricle anomalies account for more than 10% of congenital heart defects. Each defect poses a complex surgical and medical challenge, with the initial surgery tailored to the specific anatomy and physiology, according to Bahaaldin Alsoufi, M.D., chief of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery and co-director of Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of…
The inflamed blood vessels that can accompany Kawasaki disease in children can give rise to a variety of heart issues that make it the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Fortunately, cardiovascular health returns to normal within a couple months for the vast majority of patients. Lasting complications from Kawasaki disease, however, can…
Pediatric cardiologist Lisa R. Klein, M.D., travels every week to outreach clinics, bringing almost 30 years of experience to rural Kentucky. “I love interacting with the patients and their parents, teaching them about their heart issues,” said Dr. Klein of Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with UofL School of Medicine. In addition to teaching families…
Trent Robinson was rushed to Norton Children’s Hospital by ambulance from a nearby hospital just after being delivered by emergency cesarean section in March 2018. “He was turning blue. I got to see him for a split second as I was lying on the operating table,” said Brooklynn Robinson, Trent’s mother. Trent was diagnosed with…
By Deanna R. Todd Tzanetos, M.D. The Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at Norton Children’s Hospital is staffed by a dedicated team of highly trained and specialized professionals. Each morning a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses and allied health professionals gather at each patient’s bedside for rounds. The team includes: Pediatric intensivists –…
Michael D. Ruppe, M.D. Norton Children’s Hospital is a member of the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium (PC4), focused on collaborative quality improvement in the delivery of care to patients with critical pediatric and congenital cardiovascular disease. Participating centers include more than 50 of the top children’s hospitals in the United States. As a pediatric…
Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, offers an umbrella of patient support to help children and families during their hospital stay and after they transition home. A multidisciplinary team including doctors and nurses, a dietitian, a pharmacist and a nurse consultant round each day to ensure all aspects of care…
By Misty D. Ellis, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC Nurse practitioners in the Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit are trained and certified in pediatric acute care. They are dedicated to caring for and managing critically ill pediatric heart patients. This specialized training is now the gold standard for children’s hospitals. By adopting this standard, Norton Children’s…
Even after children no longer need care in the Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at Norton Children’s Hospital, they continue to be followed by the multidisciplinary team at Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. After leaving the CICU, patients can step down to the progressive cardiac care unit…
Lori Lively’s gradual seven-year weight gain after an automobile accident raised her blood pressure, elevated her blood sugar level to diabetic range and worsened an existing heart condition. After the wreck and later, a hysterectomy, Lori’s formerly active lifestyle slowed, and her food choices started affecting her weight. On her petite, 5-foot frame, even a…
The stereotype of the heart failure patient often does not match the reality, which frequently leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment. If you look at epidemiological data, you’d think the heart failure patient is a white male, age 65 or older, who comes in after a heart attack. What we’re finding in Louisville and surrounding…