[II-IL2-1] Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care: Current State-of-the-Art and Special Considerations
Since the origins of pediatric intensive care units dedicated to the care of critically ill children in the late 1950s, pediatric cardiac intensive care has evolved as a distinct discipline in well-established pediatric cardiac programs in developed nations. With advances in perfusion technology and surgical techniques, most complex congenital heart malformations can be repaired or palliated in the current era. Most high-volume heart centers have dedicated pediatric cardiac intensive care units with services provided by a specialized, multidisciplinary team. This review provides a framework for a state-of-the-art pediatric cardiac intensive care unit and highlights the keys to a successful program with outstanding outcomes.