Nathan W. Taggart, M.D.

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SUMMARY

Nathan W. Taggart, M.D., studies evaluation of children and adults with congenital heart disease through both invasive methods such as cardiac catheterization and noninvasive methods such as echocardiography. He has a particular interest in treating congenital heart disease with catheter-based interventions, such as device closure of atrial septal defects, stent placement for treatment of coarctation of the aorta and transcatheter valve replacement. These minimally invasive treatments often make it possible to treat certain defects without surgery. In addition, Dr. Taggart is interested in patient safety in the cardiac catheterization lab.

Focus areas

• Treatment of coarctation of the aorta via transcatheter placement of a covered Cheatham-Platinum stent
• Transcatheter valve-in-valve tricuspid valve replacement using a Melody valve
• Safety and efficacy of device closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO)
• Use of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) during cardiac catheterization in children
• Analysis of differences in practice preference among congenital interventional cardiologists
• Evaluation of strategies to reduce radiation exposure during cardiac catheterization

Significance to patient care

The goal of Dr. Taggart's research is to improve treatments for children and adults with congenital heart disease. The first step to improving treatments is to make current catheter-based treatments safer. In addition, new catheter-based technologies and procedures may allow individuals with congenital heart disease to receive the treatment they need without heart surgery.