Abstract Bedside ultrasonography has increasingly become a central part of critical care in recent times as a modality for procedural guidance and patient assessment. Despite the longstanding role of ultrasonography…
Abstract Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are invaluable tools for the management of end-stage heart failure in children of all ages. Although development of such devices in adults has advanced substantially…
Abstract The critical care provider when faced with complicated clinical problems often asks the imager, “Which test is best?” to which the imager should reply, “For what question?” With the…
Abstract This chapter discusses the roles of both diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac catheterization in the management of critically ill infants and children. Providers caring for these patients should be comfortable…
Abstract Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an established modality of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) for patients with severe, refractory cardiac and/or respiratory failure. ECMO evolved as an extension of the…
Abstract Since the end of the 20th century, echocardiography has been a first-line diagnostic method in patients in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit PCICU). Echocardiography is used routinely and…
Abstract Biomarker use in the care of intensive care unit (ICU) patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) is a promising field, currently centered around two classes of biomarkers: (1) cardiac…
Abstract The rapid recognition, diagnosis, and management of cardiac arrhythmias are essential skills in the intensive care unit (ICU). Outcomes can hinge on the timely initiation of arrhythmia therapy. The…
Abstract Critically ill patients are vulnerable to organ injury and circulatory failure due to cellular hypoxia. Monitoring for perturbations in circulatory well-being, early recognition of tissue hypoxia, and prevention of…
Abstract Importance: The goal of the cardiovascular system is to maximize delivery of oxygen to organs and tissues to meet their metabolic demands. Disruption of this normal cardiac function is…
