Houston Cardiovascular Associates Houston Cardiovascular Associates

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Tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot is a condition in which a child is born with the following four different heart problems:

Overriding aorta.

Normally the large blood vessel that carries blood to the body (aorta) receives only oxygen-rich blood from the left side of the heart. With an overriding aorta, the aorta gets blood from both lower chambers of the heart. This lets oxygen-poor blood mix with oxygen-rich blood, allowing oxygen-poor blood to flow to the body.

Ventricular septal defect (VSD).

A ventricular septal defect is an opening in the heart wall (septum). In tetralogy of Fallot, there is a very large opening in the wall between the lower heart chambers (ventricles). This lets oxygen-poor blood mix with oxygen-rich blood, allowing oxygen-poor blood to flow to the body.

Pulmonary stenosis.

In tetralogy of Fallot, there is also a narrowing (stenosis) of the pulmonary valve between the lower right heart chamber and the pulmonary artery, which carries blood to the lungs. The narrow valve lets less blood flow through the pulmonary artery to the lungs.

Thickened right lower chamber of the heart.

Because the pulmonary valve is narrowed, it is more difficult for blood to be pumped out of the lower right chamber of the heart. This makes the heart chamber thicker.

A baby who has tetralogy of Fallot needs surgery to repair the problems.

People who have had tetralogy of Fallot surgically repaired can usually do most normal activities. But competitive sports and strenuous exercise may need to be restricted. The person needs to be closely monitored by a doctor to detect and treat any problems right away.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Dear patient

I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates
6550 Fannin St.
Smith Tower, Suite 1901
Houston, TX 77030

Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
Fax: 713-790-2643
Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

Sincerely,
Gopi A. Shah, MD

Dear patient

Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Interventional Cardiology Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded ICA:

Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

Our new address and contact information are:

Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Albert Raizner,
Dr. Michael Raizner,
Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary