Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect. But, there have been great advances in the treatment of children with cardiovascular disorders. These strides have produced a remarkable reduction in mortality, and have expanded the boundaries of complexity for what is considered a treatable disease.

In many pediatric centers, cardiovascular disease is the single largest category of patients in a critical care unit. Specialization of care for these patients requires personnel with skills and knowledge that are derived from many disciplines, not confined to critical care, cardiology, cardiac surgery or anesthesia.

PCICS promotes excellence in pediatric cardiac critical care medicine.