Quality and Outcomes Reports - Herma Heart Center

Catheterizations and Electrophysiology Studies - Volume

Why we measure it - It's important to patients and families that we use the least invasive procedure necessary to treat the heart defect. We are a leader in the use of trans catheterization to close atrial, ventricular and arterial level defects. Research shows that physicians and hospitals that treat a large number of patients gain experience and therefore tend to provide better care and have improved outcomes for treatments and procedures. This, in addition to our innovative approach, has led us to have only a third of the published complications of other centers with similar volumes.

What this means - Our catheterization volumes have decreased slightly as Cardiac MRI, a noninvasive tool, has replaced the need for catheterization procedures in certain cases. Catheterization procedures are a way to diagnose and treat some heart defects while avoiding surgery. Cardiac electrophysiology is the study of the heart's electrical system. Some electrophysiology studies are performed to diagnose heart rhythm problems and conditions, while others are done to access the heart for treatment or correction of certain conditions. Diagnostic procedures we perform range from trans catheter diagnostic mapping to cryoablation to radio frequency mapping. We perform many therapeutic procedures such as stent placement, blade procedures, ventricular septal defect closures, fistula modification and angioplasty.

About the data - This graph reflects diagnostic, therapeutic and electrophysiology procedures captured in our billing system in years 2007-2010.

Related dimensions of care:

What we're doing to provide the best care:

• We expanded with an additional cath lab and formed a hybrid suite (combined operating room and cath lab). By bringing minimally invasive procedures to the operating room we will improve outcomes and reduce stress on patients.
• We continue to train future pediatric cardiologists in our fellowship program, which involves training in hemodynamics, and are actively recruiting additional pediatric cardiologists to care for the ever-increasing number of patients who seek our care.
• We have a very low staff turnover rate in the cath lab, which means we have a lot of experience in managing and treating pediatric patients of all age ranges.
• We currently are involved in a number of research trials such as atrial septal defect closure devices, vascular closure techniques and stroke and migraine trials.

Patients and families:

• If you cannot keep a scheduled appointment, please call Central Scheduling at (877) 607-5280 or (414) 607-5280 as soon as possible to reschedule so another child can be seen.
• Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment so we can gather needed information from you before you see the doctor.
• Bring the name, address, phone and fax numbers of your primary care and/or referring doctor so we can update them appropriately on your care.
• Bring a full list of the medications your child is taking including over-the-counter medicines such as vitamins and supplements.

Referring physicians:

• Fill out and fax a referral form prior to sending the patient to Children's Hospital for outpatient ancillary services or a specialty clinic visit. 
• Forward any pertinent patient documentation, including test results, to the specialty physician's office prior to the patient's visit.
• Referring physicians can access our specialists for consultation or transport 24 hours a day. Call our physician referral line at (800) 266-0366.  
• Health care providers from outside of our southeastern Wisconsin service area are encouraged to use our web-based
  e-Consult service. This service is available for non-urgent patient cases only and gives providers access to our specialists to review patient cases, obtain medical advice or second opinions, and receive care recommendations for rare symptoms and illnesses.
  e-Consult is not to be used by the general public, parents/guardians or families.
• Care guidelines for medical professionals
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If you have questions about this information, email us or call (414) 266-6556.