Kids
Are All Heart
Pediatric Surgical Specialists of South Texas
|
|
Hello. We are Dr. J. Mark Morales and Dr. Mark R. Bielefeld. We are cardiothoracic surgeons certified by the American Board of Surgery, the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Our practice deals with the care of patients, both adult and pediatric, with congenital heart, lung, chest, and vascular defects, as well as adult cardiovascular disease.
Our goal is not only to perform the surgery, but to be available to answer your questions and to help minimize any stress you may have in regards to your child’s condition. We aim to make your experience as hassle free as possible. We serve patients from all over South Texas, Laredo, Eagle Pass, McAllen, Harlingen, Brownsville, Victoria, and Corpus Christi, in addition to the Northern region of Mexico and other states.
We perform open and closed heart surgery, as well as procedures directed towards alleviating problems in the chest, lung, diaphragm, esophagus, mediastinum, and vascular system.
We work in conjunction with pediatric cardiologists who support us with state of the art diagnostic modalities and interventional cardiac catheterizations. We make a special effort to provide you with the most updated information on both new and well-established surgical procedures. (For a particular surgical procedure please visit the web page www.driscollchildrens.org and go to cardiothoracic surgery.)
Sincerely,
Mark Morales
Mark Bielefeld
About the Center:
The Heart Center at Driscoll Children’s Hospital
- Largest and most experienced of South Texas bringing together a multidisciplinary team, that utilizes state-of-the-art technologies for the care of neonate children and adults with congenital heart problems.
- Two fully dedicated surgeons perform over 500 cases per year with a mortality of 1-3% over the last 6 years for even the most complex cases.
- Eleven pediatric cardiologists offer patient services in our various locations throughout South Texas.
- The interventional cardiology offers the most advanced non invasive techniques including placement of over 100 ASD devices, as well as numerous angioplasties and stents.
- Our ECMO program treats 15-30 patients per year with excellent survival.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?
A board certified cardiothoracic surgeon specializes in procedures involving the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and chest wall. We are also board certified in general surgery. These certifications allow us to perform a wide range of surgical procedures on adults and children, but our particular passion is taking care of kids with cardiothoracic/vascular problems.
Who will be performing the surgery?
Dr. Morales and Dr. Bielefeld do the surgical procedures. We work very closely with the anesthesiologists, cardiologists, and nurses while caring for your child.
What do I bring the day of surgery?
- Your child, of course. If you are 18 or older, you do not necessarily need to be accompanied by an adult.
- All relevant medical information about your child. If you cannot come, make sure the person who brings your child has some knowledge about your child, including your child’s medication list if necessary. Also, if you are not the parent of the child, you will need documents to show that you are the legal guardian and that you have authority to make decisions about the care of the child, including surgery if needed.
- Your insurance and PCP (primary care provider) information.
- All of your unanswered questions you want to ask the doctor.
- While we have staff who are fluent in Spanish, we would recommend that you bring a family member or friend that you trust who can allay your fears and hopefully clarify questions and concerns that you might have after you leave the office. We want you to be comfortable and we have found that having a close friend or family member really helps.
How long will my child be in the hospital?
This may vary but unless it is stated that your child will have an “overnight”, “short stay”, or “day surgery”, your child will usually be in the hospital 3-7 days. The average stay even after open heart surgery is often only 4-5 days.
How much pain will my child have?
Pain is felt differently by different people, but in general children handle pain well. While your child can expect some pain, it’s our goal to make it as manageable as possible. We can discuss this in detail during your visit.
*Please avoid aspirin or similar nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Motrin, Advil, etc. please check with us if you are not sure) both before and after your surgery.
Will there be any stitches?
Yes, but usually they are on the inside or are self-absorbable, so your child doesn’t have to go through suture removal.
Will my child be able to live like other children?
Most children after open heart surgery are able to live normal lives. A few special children may need to have some restrictions but these limitations can often be temporary.
For Referring Physicians
We are dedicated to prompt and convenient service to you and your patients. We understand the importance of patient satisfaction. We will be readily available and will work closely with you to coordinate care. If we are not available to speak with you immediately, we will return your call as soon as possible.
We have extensive experience and perform over 500 congenital operations per year. Our specialty includes neonatal, pediatric, thoracic and vascular surgery. We utilize thoracoscopic and minimally invasive techniques when feasible. We perform state of the art open heart surgery and have applied off pump techniques in the repair of congenital heart defects. We also favor the use of blood conversation techniques, perform arrhythmia surgery and have been featured on the Discovery Channel because of our cutting-edge surgical techniques
Office Locations
We’re closer than you think!
Our main office is currently located on the second floor of the Joseph Sloan M.D. building in suite 209, adjacent to Driscoll Children’s Hospital at 3533 South Alameda Street, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Convenient access with free covered parking is located right next door.
For patients for the Rio Grande Valley we have an office in Edinburg at 5409 South McColl Road. Some cases can be performed at a hospital located close to your home. Both pre and postoperative care can also be provided at these locations.
Contact Information:
John Mark Morales MD, FACS, FAAP
Chief of Cardiothoracic, Director of Perfusion Services
Certified by the American Board of Surgery, American Board of Thoracic SurgeryMark Bielefeld, MD
Certified by the American Board of Surgery, American Board of Thoracic SurgeryThoracic surgeons are available for questions and consultations: (361) 854-0201. For appointments, assistance, and physician references in Corpus Christi call:
(361) 854-0201 or (800) DCH-LOVE
Fax : 361-855-7572
E-MAILS : Mark Morales, MD
Mark Bielefeld, MD
For further information on any surgical procedures you can contact Carol Kaplan, RN, Surgical Nurse Liaison at (361) 694-5150. Consultation and surgery for inpatients is provided in concert with neonatology and pediatric cardiology departments. Complete evaluation and management for infants, children, adolescents and adults with congenital or acquired cardiac, vascular or thoracic anomalies.
Cardiothoracic Associates
3533 S. Alameda, Suite 202
Corpus Christi, Texas 78411
Office: (361) 854-0201 or (361) 694-5150
Fax: (361) 855-7572
Hours: 9am to 6pm
Fri 9am to 5pm
Laredo Office and Wintergarden Area
Contact/Appointments
3533 South Alameda
Suite 209, Sloan Medical Bldg.
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Tel: 361-854-0201
Fax: 361-855-75725409 South McColl Rd.
Edinburg, TX 78539
Tel: 956-664-0971
Fax: 956-664-256110710 McPherson Rd.
Suite 102
Laredo, TX 78405
Tel: (956) 724-7145
Fax:(956) 724-4944
Statement of Compliance
Voted A Best Place to Work in 2006 - 2009 | Ways to Give | Contact Us
Copyright © Driscoll Children's Hospital 2008
Corpus Christi, Texas
You
must have Windows Media Player 10 installed on your computer to view the
videos. Click here to download Windows Media Player 10
Click
here to see Alexxandra Contrera's Miracle Story movie
Click
here to learn about International Services
More
information about
