Lifelong Interventions Focused on Thriving

From prenatal diagnosis to early adulthood, the Heart Center at Akron Children’s Hospital now offers a multidisciplinary clinic to care for single ventricle patients. The Cardiac LIFT (Lifelong Interventions Focused on Thriving) Clinic will provide care for single ventricle patients through a wide lens, encompassing all aspects of their growth and development.

In addition to care provided by Akron Children’s cardiologists, patients will also receive comprehensive care through the Cardiac LIFT Clinic from:

• A developmental pediatrician and/or pediatric neuropsychologist who will evaluate for developmental, cognitive or behavioral issues.
• Speech and nutrition experts who will manage patient growth, oral feeding skills, tube feeds, screen for speech delay, and help older children learn healthy eating habits for long-term heart health.
• An adult congenital nurse to educate adolescents and young adults, and their families, on a broad range of health care topics, including the transition process from pediatric to adult congenital care.
• A social worker from the Heart Center who will meet with each family to offer support and assist with access to community resources.

Care through the Cardiac LIFT Clinic is fully virtual, allowing patients to be seen from the comfort of their own home.