Fetal Cardiology

Location 725 Welch Road, 1st Floor Palo Alto, CA 94304

Phone: (650) 721-2121 Fax: (650) 497-8422

 

Learn more about our exciting hospital expansion by visiting growing.lpch.org Note that during this expansion, routes to 725 Welch have changed.

 
The Fetal Cardiology program diagnoses and manages heart abnormalities in an unborn baby. We provide comprehensive support and planning for your baby’s birth and treatment. We are here to help you welcome your baby and provide your child with the best medical care.
 
Early and rapid diagnosis of fetal heart problems. The Fetal Cardiology program uses state of the art ultrasound equipment to quickly detect fetal heart problems as early as 14 weeks gestation. Echocardiograms that are done early in pregnancy are usually performed when prenatal testing uncovers a suspected problem.
 
Examples of fetal heart defects which can usually be diagnosed by fetal echocardiography include:

Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AV Canal, AVC or Endocardial cushion defect)  Tricuspid Atresia (TA)  Pulmonary Atresia (PA)  Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)  Tetralogy of Fallot  Aortic Stenosis

Pulmonary Stenosis  Truncus Arteriosus  Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome  Double Outlet Right Ventricle Single Ventricle Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), which are very common in fetuses and infants

Coordinated care from an experienced team. Our fetal cardiologists are internationally-recognized for their echocardiography expertise. They have dedicated their careers to improving the technology and techniques used to diagnose and manage heart disease in children. Our physicians also apply their years of experience to work with and support your family. Learn more about what to expect from the Fetal Cardiology program.
 
The Fetal Cardiology program is part of the Children’s Heart Center and Center for Fetal and Maternal Health. Pediatric cardiologists and heart surgeons, high-risk obstetricians, neonatologists and genetic counselors all work as a team to provide your baby with coordinated, comprehensive care.
 

Our Goals for Your Baby

Correct heart problems early in life. The Children’s Heart Center’s philosophy is to treat heart problems as early in life as possible so that your child has the best chance to lead a healthy life. The Center is world-renowned for treating infants with heart problems soon after birth, even in infants that are very young and/or small.
 
The Fetal Cardiology team provides the best medical care possible to your baby immediately after birth. This includes gathering and communicating information about your baby to other health care providers, and serving as a resource to your family.
 
Work in partnership with parents. Our care plan for you and your baby is always based on family-centered care. Once a heart problem has been diagnosed, we work in partnership with you. We believe that your family’s participation in the health care team will improve your baby’s care. Together, we prepare your family and your baby’s team of health care professionals to provide your baby with the best possible care and support immediately after birth.
 

Request an Appointment

The Fetal Cardiology program accepts referrals from patients/parents and health care providers. To refer a patient to the Fetal Cardiology program, please:

1. Call us at (650) 721-2121, and
2. Complete the referral form (PDF) with all requested information
3. Fax the completed form to (650) 497-8422

The Fetal Cardiology Team

• Theresa Tacy, MD – Director of Echocardiography
• Daniel Murphy, MD
• Inger Olson, MD
• Rajesh Punn, MD
• Seda Tierney, MD

Learn More

• What to Expect from Fetal Cardiology
• Fetal Cardiology Outreach and Education