Role of the pediatric cardiologist in the management of congenital heart disease at birth

Whether diagnosed before birth or suspected in a newborn, congenital heart diseases rapidly require an evaluation by the pediatric cardiologist. The r ole of the pediatric cardiologist is threefold: 1) to realize a careful ana tomical examination using color Doppler echocardiography; 2) in many cases to perform a palliative or curative therapeutic act based upon intervention al catherization, such as Rashkind atrioseptotomy or percutaneous balloon v alvuloplasty; and 3) whenever necessary, to take a rapid decision of cardia c surgery in concert with the cardiac surgeon, and to prepare the child for surgery. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.