Intensive Care (IC)

The IC of the Thoraxcenter consists of the Cardiology IC and the Thoracic Surgery IC.

The Cardiology IC is a department with eight beds, where highly complex care is provided for patients with a wide range of cardiological complaints. The Thoraxcenter has a regional function here. At the Cardiology IC artificial respiration is applied and among other things the IABP (Intra Aortal Balloon Pump), the percutaneous LVAD (Left Ventricle Assist Device) and kidney function replacement therapy is used. A cardiologist-intensive care specialist is responsible for the medical policy.

The Thoracic Surgery IC has ten beds and treats thoracic surgery patients of ages ranging from zero to ninety years. Apart from post-operative care for patients after CABG, valve operations (replacement and/or reconstruction), lung operations, trachea reconstructions and surgery on the thoracic vessels, the Thoracic Surgery IC also provides care for patients after a specific intervention. This includes pediatric heart surgery, surgery for congenital heart defects in adults, heart transplants (adults and children) and lung transplants. In addition the Thoraxcenter is assigned as one of the Dutch centers where a cardiac assist device (artificial heart) may be implanted. The intensive care specialists are responsible for the medical policy in the department.

Because the building of the Thoraxcenter is being renovated the IC will be completely renewed in 2006.