List of Cardiac Intensivist near me in West des moines

A cardiac intensivist is a physician who specializes in the care of critically ill patients with severe cardiac conditions, particularly those requiring intensive monitoring and advanced life-support treatments in a cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). These specialists manage patients who have undergone major heart surgeries, experienced heart attacks, or have life-threatening heart conditions such as heart failure, arrhythmias, or cardiogenic shock. With expertise in cardiology and critical care, cardiac intensivists provide comprehensive, life-saving care for patients with the most complex cardiac needs. Role and Responsibilities Cardiac intensivists are integral to the management of critically ill heart patients, often overseeing their care throughout their stay in the CICU. Their responsibilities include: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS): Cardiac intensivists are proficient in administering advanced cardiac life support, including the use of defibrillation, cardioversion, and other emergency procedures for patients in cardiac arrest or with unstable arrhythmias. They are trained to act quickly to stabilize patients in critical conditions and prevent further deterioration. Management of Post-Cardiac Surgery Patients: Cardiac intensivists play a key role in the postoperative care of patients recovering from heart surgeries such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacements, and heart transplants. Hemodynamic Monitoring and Management: One of the primary responsibilities of a cardiac intensivist is the continuous monitoring and management of a patients cardiovascular system. Use of Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices: For patients with severe heart failure or cardiogenic shock, cardiac intensivists are experts in managing mechanical circulatory support devices such as intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and ventricular assist devices (VADs). These devices support or replace heart function when the heart cannot pump blood effectively on its own. Cardiac intensivists oversee the implementation, monitoring, and weaning of these devices. Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Cardiac intensivists work closely with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, including cardiothoracic surgeons, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, and nurses, to provide comprehensive care. They also collaborate with other specialists, such as nephrologists, pulmonologists, and infectious disease experts, to manage complications affecting other organs. Management of Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation: Cardiac intensivists are trained in the immediate response to cardiac arrest and are often the leaders of the resuscitation team in the CICU. They perform lifesaving interventions such as chest compressions, defibrillation, and administration of critical medications to restore heart function.