Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care
Pulmonary Hypertension
The Pulmonary Vascular Disease program at Jefferson specializes in diagnosing and treating individuals with PH not due to left-sided heart disease. All patients are seen at the Jefferson Heart Institute location, chosen specifically for its convenience to the patient. After valet parking, patients undergo a thorough physician evaluation and as necessary, echocardiograms, exercise testing, nurse teaching and medication starts - all on-site. Our busy practice includes referrals for PH related to connective tissue disorders, drugs/toxins, portal hypertension, sickle cell disease, sarcoidosis, chronic pulmonary thromboembolic disease and PH out of proportion to existing parenchymal disease.
Right heart catheterizations with pulmonary vasodilator trials using inhaled nitric oxide are performed regularly by Jefferson cardiologists. We are particularly pleased by the success our patients have had with the inhaled and parenteral prostacyclins, coordinated by our nursing staff with close collaboration with the specialty pharmacies. Our clinical research interests include early detection of PH using CT imaging techniques, RV function in sickle cell patients and alternative ways to measure the exercise tolerance of PH patients in an office setting.
If you wish to discuss a potential referral for a PH evaluation, Michael L. Scharf, M.D., Director of Jefferson’s Pulmonary Vascular Disease program, welcomes the opportunity to speak to you. Dr. Scharf may be reached by telephone at 215 955-5161, option 2 or by e-mail at Michael.Scharf@Jefferson.edu.
