In the Michael P. Fisher Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), we specialize in caring for the most critically ill infants, children and teens with congenital and acquired heart disease. Our 27-bed unit is one of the largest dedicated pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Units in the Southeast.
We provide a complete range of critical care services, including:
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Neonatal cardiac diagnosis and stabilization
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Post-operative care of heart surgery patients
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Post-operative care of heart transplant patients
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Management of complex arrhythmia
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Management of cardiomyopathy and heart failure
Procedures
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) - a lifesaving technology that acts as a child's heart and lungs outside the body, allowing the child's own heart and lungs to heal
- Ventricular assist device (LVAD) - circulates blood when the heart cannot pump on its own
- Berlin Heart - one of only a few centers in the country using this life-saving device as a bridge to transplant
- Inhaled Nitric Oxide
- High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation
Team
Led by Anthony Raviele, M.D., Director, our cardiac intensive care team includes Pediatric Cardiologists, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiologists, Cardiac Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Respiratory Therapists, Pharmacologists, Dieticians, Child Life Specialists and Social Workers.
Nearly 50% of eligible nurses in the CICU are Certified Critical Care Nurses (CCRN). To earn this achievement, nurses go through specialized training--resulting in an even higher standard of care for our patients.
At Children's, we know that families are an important part of the care team. During Family-Centered Rounds, parents have the opportunity to ask our physicians questions and learn more about their child's plan of care.