Learn about our Single Ventricle Monitoring Program

I would like to let you know that we have just started our Single Ventricle Monitoring Program.  We are excited to get this rolling because we think it will improve outcomes for our babies with single ventricle physiology during their most fragile time- when they’re at home before their second stage surgery.  This type of program has been shown to improve survival and is now part of a national quality improvement project for pediatric cardiology.  Our Program is a joint effort between Randall Children’s Hospital, Cardiac case managers, Dr. John Iguidbashian and his Physician’s Assistant, Jason Lines, and the Pediatric Cardiology Center of Oregon.  

The Program is fairly simple: when a baby goes home from the hospital, we give the parents a pulse oximeter to measure the child’s oxygen saturation once a day, and a scale to weigh the baby once a day.  Parents record the data and report it to Jason once a week, but they can always call if they’re worried about anything.  If the baby gains weight and has no change in oxygen level, then no interventions are needed.  If the baby fails to gain weight, or loses weight, or if the oxygen level drops, it could mean that there is trouble brewing; we may need to see the baby in the clinic or the parents may need to bring the baby to a local emergency department.  We are hopeful that this increased level of monitoring will improve the lives of our patients and their families.

Andrew W. Hoyer, M.D.