Congenital Heart Disease represents a diverse spectrum of structural heart abnormalities present from birth, ranging from simple septal defects to complex cyanotic malformations requiring staged surgical repair. This session explores essential concepts in anatomy, physiology, imaging, diagnosis, intervention, and lifelong management of congenital heart lesions. As more clinicians seek a specialized cardiology conference, this session brings together foundational and advanced knowledge needed to support patients through infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood—reflecting the increasing population of adults with repaired or palliated congenital disease.

The description highlights the embryologic origins of common lesions, including atrial and ventricular septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, coarctation of the aorta, single ventricle physiology, and conotruncal anomalies. Participants will learn how lesion-specific hemodynamics affect oxygenation, pulmonary and systemic circulation, and long-term cardiac remodeling. The session details the transition from fetal to neonatal circulation and how ductal closure reveals obstructive lesions that may not be apparent immediately after birth.

Emphasis is placed on the role of multimodality imaging—echocardiography, CMR, CT angiography, and diagnostic catheterization—in understanding the structural and physiological implications of each defect. The session discusses interpreting shunt ratios, pressure gradients, valve morphology, branch pulmonary artery stenosis, ventricular function, and collateral circulation. Case-based discussions illustrate how to differentiate lesions requiring urgent intervention from those manageable with scheduled follow-up.

A central theme focuses on implementing advanced congenital heart disease management strategies across the lifespan. Participants will learn about indications for transcatheter and surgical repair, timing of interventions, long-term complications such as arrhythmias, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and end-organ involvement. Special attention is given to adults with congenital heart disease who require lifelong surveillance, pregnancy counseling, exercise guidance, and risk stratification for future procedures.

The session concludes with emerging topics such as 3D modeling, virtual surgical planning, genetic testing, fetal interventions, and regionalization of ACHD care. By the end, attendees will understand how to support congenital patients throughout their lifetime through coordinated, multidisciplinary care.