The Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center (MDHVC) Valve Clinic combines exemplary clinical care, advanced imaging, and surgical excellence to provide centralized assessment and treatment options for complex valve disorders.
Our goal is to provide a focused and well organized patient experience that provides a thorough patient evaluation, and clear communication about severity of valve disease and all appropriate therapeutic options. Patients referred to the Valve Clinic will be initially assessed by one of our cardiologists. All prior diagnostic studies will be requested and reviewed. When needed, additional diagnostic imaging (such as echocardiography, stress imaging, cardiac MRI, and carotid ultrasound) will be performed. If needed, the patient will also meet with a cardiovascular surgeon to further discuss the options for valve intervention.
Services Offered at the MDHVC Valve Clinic
- Diagnosis and imaging evaluation
- Cutting edge imaging technology – 64 slice CT, Cardiac MRI, 3D echocardiography including 3D TEE
- Nationally accredited imaging labs
- Interpretation by board certified physicians with national and international recognition as valve imaging experts
- Treatment recommendations including medical therapy and anticoagulation.
- Patient education and support.
- Complete options for valve intervention including; catheter-based interventions, minimally-invasive robotic valve surgery and open surgical interventions.
- Second opinions: Review of valve diagnosis, severity, and the timing and type of recommended intervention.
- Ongoing follow-up care.
Academic Mission
The Valve Clinic will also serve an important academic role providing teaching and clinical research opportunities consistent with the academic mission of the MDHVC. Patients will be asked to enroll in a valve registry and can expect to meet learner physicians, residents, fellows and nurses.
Care Options for the Referring Physician
A variety of patient care options are available to referring physicians. These include:
- Cardiology Consult
- Consult and follow-up (share care) with referring physician
- Consult and take over care
- CV surgery consult only (No cardiology consult required)
To refer a patient to the Valve Clinic, please download our Physician Fax Referral Form.
Valve Conference
Complex clinical cases will be presented for group discussion at a bi-monthly valve conference. Diagnostic and management considerations will be discussed by cardiovascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists and imaging experts. After the conference a summary letter outlining the discussion and treatment consensus will be sent to the referring physician for review. Learn more»
