Using scheduled, intentional touch points for follow-up care, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute is aiming to drive down the readmission rate for heart failure patients and those who’ve had open heart surgery. Mindful that heart failure readmissions typically happen in the first two weeks after discharge, all three touch points take place in that time…
Pediatric cardiomyopathy is progressive and may be asymptomatic up to sudden death, making family history an important tool in deciding when to refer patients, according to a cardiologist at Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. Anyone who has a first-degree relative who was diagnosed with a cardiomyopathy or who had…
Pediatric cardiologist Delwyn E. McOmber, M.D., has joined Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, as part of the Pediatric HeartCare Partners integration with Norton Children’s. In addition to practicing pediatric cardiology, Dr. McOmber also will serve as medical director of the Norton Children’s Medical Group pediatric exercise lab and University…
The patient Newborn with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) with a dysplastic pulmonary valve and progressive pulmonary valve stenosis The challenge The dysplastic pulmonary valve makes it unsuitable to proceed with the typical first stage of single ventricle palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) — the Norwood procedure, which would transition the pulmonary valve…
For patients with atrial fibrillation (A-fib) not caused by a heart valve issue, with at least moderate risk of stroke and issues taking long-term blood thinners, the Watchman device offers an alternative. The left atrial appendage (LAA) closure device significantly lowers stroke risk and can reduce or eliminate the need for long-term anticoagulation. Patients with…
If someone is having chest pain, it’s time to get to the best hospital for heart attack treatment. But aren’t all hospitals equipped to treat a heart attack? Yes, and getting treatment right away is the most important thing, so call 911. Some hospitals have better outcomes than others and are able to reach those…
The only accredited program in Kentucky and Indiana, Norton Children’s Heart Institute is recognized for collaborative work to treat adults and children living with lifelong congenital heart disease. In recognition of its expertise in serving individuals with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), a structural heart condition present at birth, Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School…
According to the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), 200,000 adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) every year. It is the 10th-leading cause of death for American men over the age of 55, and a ruptured AAA is the 15th-leading cause of death in the U.S. Symptoms Abdominal aortic aneurysm often…
The patient A woman presented to Norton Audubon Hospital with shortness of breath and dizziness and was noted to be in new-onset atrial fibrillation (A-fib). She underwent immediate cardioversion but had recurrent A-fib and then was placed on flecainide with a repeat successful cardioversion. Her echocardiogram showed normal left ventricular function. The providers Kent E….
Repairing the aortic and mitral valves of children is not as common as replacement with mechanical or tissue valves, but it has distinct advantages. If we can keep the child’s own tissue and have good function of the valve, we don’t have to deal with the risk of clotting or bleeding that comes with a…
Traditionally, quality improvement for surgeons focuses on cases that did not go as planned. These cases are dissected at weekly morbidity and mortality meetings. A little more than a year ago, Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, completely revamped the classic morbidity and mortality process. We’re looking at trends, rather…
While endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of aortic aneurysm has expanded over the last 20 years, there are still cases where this minimally invasive procedure has limitations. Using a new type of endograft called fenestrated endografts, surgeons at Norton Heart & Vascular Institute are repairing abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) that are close to the renal or…