The Genesis, Maturation, and Future of Critical Care Cardiology

Abstract

The cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) has changed considerably over time and now serves a unique patient population with a high burden of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular critical illness. Patient complexity and technological evolutions in the CICU have catalyzed the development of critical care cardiology, a fledgling discipline that combines specialization in cardiovascular diseases with knowledge and experience in critical care medicine. Numerous uncertainties and challenges threaten to stymie the growth of this field. A multidisciplinary dialogue focused on the best care design for the CICU patient is needed as we consider alternative approaches to clinical training, staffing, and investigation in this rapidly evolving arena.

Keywords: quality of care; research; training.