Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care in the United States: Historical Perspectives and the Modern Era

Abstract

The fields of pediatric cardiology and congenital heart surgery have made significant advancements over the past 70 years, reversing an earlier era of nearly universal mortality for all forms of congenital heart disease. Pediatric cardiac patients, particularly those with congenital heart disease, represent some of the most heterogeneous and complex patients to manage with an array of pathophysiologies. A highly functioning and collaborative team is required to care for this population effectively. Here we review the history of the field of pediatric cardiac critical care, the current system in the United States, and some additional considerations in the modern era.