Cardiac Intensive Care

When a child has a critical heart condition, they need compassionate, focused care. At the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, we have assembled a team of dedicated experts who specialize in caring for infants and children with serious heart conditions, and those under preoperative or postoperative care.

Here, children stay in a unique, 10-bed pediatric cardiac intensive care unit designed for the needs of kids with complex heart problems. We are the only hospital in the greater Chicago area to have a separate, specialized intensive care unit for children with critical heart conditions.

Comprehensive Care Team

Our team includes medical, surgical, and support staff--specialists who are highly skilled in caring for children with serious heart disease. Pediatric cardiac intensive care team members include:

• Cardiac intensivists (doctors who specialize in pediatric cardiac critical care)
• Cardiac surgeons
• Cardiologists
• Cardiac anesthesiologists
• Critical care and cardiac nurses
• Respiratory therapists
• Pharmacologists
• Nutritionists
• Child life specialists
• Chaplains
• Social workers

In most cases, there is a one-to-one ratio of nurses to patients. In some very critical cases, two nurses will care for one patient.

Key Services and Features

When we designed our pediatric cardiac intensive care unit, we planned for the latest technology while being mindful of a child's need to stay in a comfortable, child-centered environment. The unit is conveniently located close to the pediatric cardiac surgery operating room and catheterization suite, ensuring smooth transport to and from procedures.

Advanced Treatments

• 24-hour extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for patients in cardiorespiratory failure. This artificial heart-lung bypass machine can help severely ill infants and children whose lungs and/or heart are not working properly. This additional safeguard is not available at many other hospitals. Round-the-clock ECMO availability is considered a must for a modern pediatric cardiac unit.
• Sophisticated ventricular assist devices are available to boost the pumping ability of the heart.
• Nitric oxide and Heliox therapy can help children with complex breathing problems.

Special Amenities

• Parents are encouraged to stay close to their child while he or she is staying with us. Comfortable chairs are provided in the unit, and family waiting areas are just steps away.
• Young family members have their own play area located on the same floor.