Adult Congenital Heart Disease/Cardiac Diseases in Pregnancy Clinic

We provide individualized long-term care for adult patients born with congenital heart disease, including patients with diseases of the thoracic aorta. We provide care for patients with all types of congenital heart defects ranging from the simple to the most complex. Our goal is to reduce the risk of complications and improve their quality of life.

We also provide cardiology care for pregnant women with heart disease. This is done together with the Maternal Fetal Medicine and other teams involved in the care of pregnant women.

Our clinics provide all aspects of complete and comprehensive life-long care for patients with congenital heart disease, along with comprehensive access to cardiology testing and services such as:

  • Echocardiograms
  • Stress testing
  • Holter monitoring
  • Trans-catheter interventions
  • Cardiac surgery
  • Psychological care
  • Genetics
  • Reproductive counseling and care
  • Advance care planning

What to Expect

You will receive a letter, and/or a phone call informing you about the time of your first appointment at the Adult Congenital Cardiac Clinic. Usually this appointment will include a series of tests, planned in advance, as well as meeting with a nurse and a cardiologist.

On the day of your visit, you should expect to stay in the Medical Centre for 2-3 hours.

You will need an electrocardiogram (ECG) done at each visit. At each visit, please first check in with the Cardio-Respiratory Medical Unit at 3V2.

You will often need and echocardiogram prior to most visits. This is arranged in advance.

You will then go to the Boris Clinic for your medical appointment. We also offer on-line consultations where appropriate.

What to Bring

  • Health Card. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care requires us to validate your health card at every clinic visit.
  • List of all medications you are currently taking.
  • Questions to ask. Bring a list of questions to your appointment to help you remember everything you want to ask.

How long will my appointment take?

The visit with your doctor will last up to 30 minutes. Testing done prior may take up to two hours. This will be indicated on the letter you will receive with the details of your visit.

What happens after my visit?

At the end of your first appointment, the nurse or doctor will give you contact information of the cardiology care team.

You will be able to book your follow-up appointment and tests if necessary as you leave your clinic visit.

 

Team Members

Dr. Javier Ganame, Director, Cardiologist, 905-521-2100 ext. 76645
Dr. Arsha Karbassi, Cardiologist 905-521-2100 ext. 76645
Dr Omid Salehian, Cardiologist 905-521-2100 ext. 76222
Courtney Mitchell, Registered Nurse 905-521-2100 ext. 76791
Vicki Allan, Administrative Assistant 905-521-2100 ext. 76645
Angelique Crewson, Business Clerk (appointments) 905-521-2100 ext. 73276