Twins born with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) benefit from new protocol developed at Children’s Minnesota
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Twin sisters Madison and Peyton were born at 26 weeks’ gestation with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a common congenital heart defect in pre-term infants. While they were being cared for at Children’s Minnesota Level IV neonatal intensive care unit in Minneapolis, the standard first treatment of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to close a PDA wasn’t working. So, at 4 weeks old, they both had their PDA closed using the Amplatzer™ Piccolo Occluder, a minimally invasive device specifically designed to close PDA in premature infants. It is far less invasive and risky than a surgical procedure.
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Madison and Peyton were cared for with guidance from a new standardized protocol for the minimally invasive PDA closure that was developed by The Kid Experts® at Children’s Minnesota. Every member of the girls’ care team at Children’s Minnesota was accounted for in the protocol – including Dr. Ryan Meinen, neonatologist, and Dr. Marko Vezmar, medical director of interventional cardiology – along with their nurses, respiratory therapists, cardiac cath lab specialists, nurse practitioners and cardiac anesthesiologists.
Read more about the protocol here.
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Patient referral experience improves with new technology and staff
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Several initiatives have launched at Children’s Minnesota in the past 6 months to improve the patient referral experience, simplify scheduling, and increase access to our kid experts.
More referral coordinators: Nine referral coordinators have been hired and onboarded to support patient referrals in the following areas: Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Endocrinology/Diabetes, Genetics and Genomics, Gender Health, Gynecology, Nephrology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Children’s Heart Clinic, and Cancer & Blood Disorders.
New technology tools for patients: Online scheduling, pre-visit digital forms, self-check-in, two-way text messaging, appointment reminders and more will provide patient families with options to interact with Children’s Minnesota and make their experience easier, faster, and more personalized.
For 24/7 referral, admission and neonatal transport assistance, call Children’s Minnesota Physician Access at 866-755-2121.
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The Mother Baby Center locations at United and Mercy hospitals earn top ratings from U.S. News & World Report
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The St. Paul and Coon Rapids locations of The Mother Baby Center, a partnership between Allina Health and Children’s Minnesota, have been named as 2023-2024 Best Maternity Hospitals by receiving the designation of High Performing by U.S. News & World Report. The High Performing designation is the highest award a hospital can earn from U.S. News & World Report’s national rankings for hospitals providing maternity care. The Mother Baby Center in Coon Rapids was one of only 73 locations nationwide to receive the new Maternity Care Access Designation, denoting the high-quality care provided in an area with otherwise limited maternity care resources.
The Mother Baby Centers in St. Paul and Coon Rapids were evaluated on a number of measures such as: c-section rates in lower risk pregnancies, unexpected newborn complications, exclusive breast milk feeding rates and transparency on racial/ethnic disparities.
Read more about the award distinction here.
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Ask a Specialist Service Available for Non-Urgent Questions
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We recognize the importance of having direct access to pediatric specialists for questions and general advice and invite you to submit a non-urgent, general question through our Ask a Specialist service. Questions are triaged by a Children’s physician and, if needed, redirected to one of our physician sub-specialists or other pediatric health professionals. We will respond to your question within 10 business days.
For urgent needs or questions with specific patient detail, Children’s Minnesota Physician Access is your 24/7, live connection. Call 1-866-755-2121.
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Talking Pediatrics podcast
Join us as we bring intriguing stories and relevant pediatric health care information and partner with you in the care of your patients. Our guests, data, ideas and practical tips will surprise, challenge and perhaps change how you care for kids.
Listen to the previously recorded Talking Pediatrics:
"Crack the Case: Faltering Growth in a Toddler Lost to Follow Up"
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