Specialized tertiary care facilities for adults with congenital heart disease in North America and the United Kingdom: future directions in Japan

摘要

Specialized tertiary care facilities have been established to care for the increasing numbers of adults with congenital heart disease. Because this cardiovascular subspecialty is relatively new, the dedicated facilities have evolved without preexisting guidelines. Therefore, a mini-review was conducted of specialized tertiary care facilities for adults with congenital heart disease in North America and the United Kingdom, to illuminate the future directions of continuous management of these patients in Japan. Specialized tertiary care was provided by integrated collaborative teams that involve medical and pediatric cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and non-cardiac consultants. Continuing growth of this relatively new patient population and further evolution of specialized care facilities can be anticipated.