Donald J. Hagler, M.D.

Dr. Hagler primarily studies the use of echocardiography and interventional cardiac catheterization procedures in the management of complex congenital heart disease. His work taps into the long history of congenital cardiac surgical and medical teamwork at Mayo, which provides the background and basis for clinical research investigating the optimal management of complex congenital heart disease.

Focus Areas

• Diagnostic and interventional congenital cardiac catheterization. Dr. Hagler and his team study intravascular stents, endomyocardial biopsy and balloon valvotomy, radiofrequency ablation/ perforation of atretic valve or vessels, and vessel embolization.
• Percutaneous catheter device closure. Dr. Hagler is exploring the use of percutaneous catheter device closure in the treatment of atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, patent foramen ovale, patent ductus arteriosus, and post-operative prosthetic paravalvular fistulae. The treatment of these conditions has provided an opportunity for collaborative efforts in the management of congenital heart disease.
• The use of imaging tools for clinical care and research. Dr. Hagler and his colleagues are interested in the ways echocardiography, fetal echocardiography, transesophageal and intracardiac echocardiography provide support in the management of patients with complex congenital heart disease.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Hagler is involved in ongoing clinical projects, including a post-approval study of percutaneous catheter implantations of the "Meldody" prosthetic pulmonary valve. The use of Melody will reduce the need for surgical valve replacements.

His work on the Reduce trial for patent foramen ovale closure in stroke patients will investigate the benefits of preventing future embolizations.

In addition, Dr. Hagler is participating in a national collaborative study to assess the postoperative management of infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The study will look at Comprehensive, Continuous Integrated Systems of Care model (CCIS) and impact registries that monitor cardiac catheterization complications and are designed to improve the quality of patient care.

Professional Highlights

• Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
• Past President of the Society of Pediatric Echocardiography
• Past Chairman of the Congenital Heart Disease Council of the Society of Cardiac Angiography and Interventions