Cardiovascular Bridge Program

Lurie Children’s Heart Center and the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Medicine have partnered to create the first-of-its-kind Cardiovascular Bridge Program. Specialists from both Lurie Children’s and Northwestern Medicine now meet regularly with patients between the ages of 16-26 with congenital heart defects in one clinic setting.

For many patients, the transition from pediatric to adult care can be confusing and difficult, which can lead to gaps in treatment. By bringing pediatric and adult cardiologists together in one setting, our patients will not have to leap into an adult system. This continuity of care is beneficial for patients throughout their lifetimes – the seamless integration into the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute’s care and a continuous medical history will help doctors predict complications before they arise.

The Cardiovascular Bridge Program currently works with patients who have bicuspid aortic valve disease in Lurie Children's Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program and the Martha and Richard Melman Family Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program at Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute.