Pediatric cardiologist Chandrakant R. Patel, MD, is director of maternal fetal cardiology.
Akron Children’s Fetal Cardiology program offers advanced diagnostics and management of congenital heart disease in unborn babies. The program is led by pediatric cardiologist Chandrakant R. Patel, MD, director of maternal fetal cardiology.
Fetal cardiology services, including fetal echocardiograms, are provided on the Akron Children’s Hospital campuses in Akron and Boardman and at Akron Children’s Health Center in North Canton.
“We understand that hearing your unborn baby may have a heart abnormality can be very stressful and worrisome for expectants parents. With this in mind, we review results with parents the same day, immediately following their fetal echocardiogram,” said Nina Lockard, nurse program coordinator for fetal cardiology.
Lockard noted that if any abnormalities are found, the treatment plan is discussed at the same time.
“It may be recommended that the expectant mother follow up again with the fetal cardiologist during her pregnancy or wait until after the baby is born. In cases where a complex defect is identified, we will coordinate all of the services the unborn child will need,” she said.
This coordinated, multidisciplinary care brings together a team of specialists that includes maternal fetal medicine, pediatric cardiothoracic surgery, neonatology and genetics, as well as any other subspecialty care that may be needed, such as neurology, urology, nephrology and the palliative care team.
To help families prepare for the birth of their child, Lockard will also coordinate a tour of the neonatal intensive care unit, along with meetings with the neonatologist who will be in the delivery room and their baby’s cardiac surgeon.
In addition to Dr. Patel, Akron Children’s fetal cardiology providers include pediatric cardiologists Brandon Jones, DO; Wasim Khan, MD; Brandon Smith, MD; Grace Smith, MD, FACC; Christine Tracy, MD, FACC; Timotheus Watson, MD; and Robert (Peter) VandeKappelle Jr., MD
If a complex heart defect is identified in an unborn child, a plan will be developed to coordinate all of the services the child will need.
Referrals to Fetal Cardiology
Common indications for referral to the Akron Children’s Fetal Cardiology program include:
- Non-cardiac abnormalities seen on ultrasound such as fetal lung abnormalities and skeletal, renal and central nervous system abnormalities
- Suspected heart abnormality on ultrasound or an incomplete ultrasound that does not clear the heart
- Family history of congenital heart disease
- Abnormal genetic test results
- Fetal arrhythmia
- Maternal diabetes (type 1, type 2 or gestational)
- IVF pregnancy
- Certain maternal medications
- Maternal autoimmune disorders
“If there are any concerns for congenital heart disease or if a woman’s OB-GYN provider is unsure, it’s always best to refer,” said Lockard. “The ideal time for a fetal echocardiogram is between 22-24 weeks, so I work with our referring providers to make sure their patients are seen in a timely manner.”
Lockard is available for direct referrals at 330-543-2326, which has a secure voicemail.
Referrals may also be made by following the options at this link or by faxing the Heart Center directly at 330-543-3850. Referrals should include the order, patient information/demographics and any OB-GYN notes.
“We have a well-established and trusted program that provides care across the lifespan,” said Lockard. “We are now providing fetal echocardiograms for expectant mothers who were patients of Dr. Patel before they were born.”
