When left untreated, congenital heart defects could lead to health problems, decreased quality of life and even death. At St. Mary’s, the multidisciplinary team is here to meet every need of each patient as well as his or her family members, no matter what age or disease stage the child is in.
“Our Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery Program utilizes experienced pediatric specialists including surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists and intensivists,” says Linda Rankin, BS, MJ, MBA, MSN, Administrative Director of Pediatric Services at St. Mary’s. “The operating room staff and Pediatric Intensive Care nursing staff are highly trained to offer patients the maximum level of care.”
The Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s also features a new operating room and catheterization laboratory to ensure patients have access to the most advanced care. “No matter what a patient’s needs, we are here for them,” says Rankin. “The Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s can provide extensive pediatric specialty services to the children of South Florida and beyond.” Nearly one in 100 babies in the United States is born with a congenital heart defect, according to the Children’s Health Foundation. To support babies in need of care for congenital heart conditions, the Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s now offers pediatric cardiovascular surgery.
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In September, the Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery Program welcomed the arrival of Michael D. Black, M.D., MBA, Medical Director of the Pediatric and Congenital Open Heart Program at the Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s. Dr. Black brings 20 years of surgical expertise to St. Mary’s and was at the forefront of the development of the minimally invasive surgical techniques and technology cardiovascular surgeons use today. “By making smaller incisions, patients experience less tissue trauma,” says Dr. Black.“Other techniques that do not divide the breast bone – a practice typically performed in traditional cardiac procedures – also reduce infection rates while allowing patients to grow up with minimal scarring so they can live a more normal life.” Once surgery is complete, children can return home after just a few days. “Typically, newborns may need to remain in the hospital for observation for a week,” says Dr. Black. “However, most children can return home to their families within days.”
Thanks to advanced surgical techniques, there are currently 2 million people living normal lives with congenital heart defects in America, according to the Children’s Heart Foundation. While high-tech approaches and a multidisciplinary medical team are available to ensure all patients’ medical needs are met, the most important part of the Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery Program is providing patients and their loved ones with the support they need.“My main goal is to ease parents’ minds,” says Dr. Black. “Any questions or concerns they may have, I am here to answer. I make a point to stay overnight at the hospital when a patient has undergone surgery to ensure I can do whatever possible to make the child and parents feel comfortable.”
Dr. Black is working to make the Cardiovascular Surgery Program at the Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s one of the most innovative programs in Florida. In addition to children, Dr. Black specializes in the treatment of adults with congenital heart disease. This provides all patients with congenital heart disease continuity of care throughout their lifetime at St. Mary’s Medical Center. “When parents find out their child needs to undergo surgery, it can be an overwhelming experience,” says Dr. Black.“Now, for residents in the Greater Palm Beach area, we can offer services without the need to travel. It’s my goal to offer a surgical solution that will last a lifetime so children with congenital heart defects can live long, happy lives.”
