Surgery

In addition to the care of children with acute respiratory failure who require specialized ventilator support and even extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), additional expertise is applied to the nutritional and metabolic support of the critically ill child.

Working as a collaborative team with anesthesiology and neonatology, comprehensive critical care is provided to assure the optimal outcome for every child.

The program is led by Dr. Jay Wilson, Director and Dr. Tom Jaksic, Associate Director. Drs. Wilson and Jaksic along with Dr. Craig Lillehei make up the critical care team of surgeons who oversee care of critically ill surgical patients in Children's Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit (MSICU).

The program offers the latest in both invasive and non-invasive diagnostic techniques. Twice daily team rounds and care planning characterize the clinical service.

A component of the program in surgical critical care is the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Program. This program offers a multidisciplinary approach to the care and follow-up treatment of children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, many of whom have also been treated with ECMO.

In addition to pediatric surgeons, specialists from Pulmonary Medicine, Child Development, and Nutrition staff the program. Audiologists are involved on a consultative basis. An outpatient clinic is held monthly to serve this needy patient population.