About the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine

Children's Hospital cares for some of the sickest children in the nation. Our specially trained staff anesthesiologists and critical care physicians provide 24-hour coverage in the Hospital’s operating rooms and intensive care units. You’ll also find our team members in cardiac catheterization labs, radiology and sedation units, CHOP’s Ambulatory Surgery Centers, the Oncology Day Hospital, affiliated hospital NICUs and many more locations where your child may receive care.

Our experience

Founded in 1964, the Department has played a pioneering role in improving outcomes for children in intensive care. In 1967, the Department established the first pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in the United States, followed by the country’s first intensive respiratory rehabilitation care unit for ventilator dependent children in 1975.

Alongside the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Department also established the country’s first statewide home care program for ventilator assisted children in the US in 1979.

Patient Volumes (Cases/Year)

Total Anesthetics >33,000

Fetal Surgeries/deliveries >1,100

Cardiothoracic Anesthesia Services/Cardiac Center ~3,000

• Open heart >600
• Closed heart >420
• Cardiology (diagnostic and interventional) >1,200

Pain Management Program

• Annual Inpatient Days >7,000
• Annual New Consultations >1,500

Critical Care Medicine

• Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Annual Patient Days >17,000
• Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) Annual Patient Days >8,300
• Progressive Care Annual Patient Days >5,700