Modern Cardiac Critical Care brings together intensive care principles and advanced cardiology expertise to manage patients with life-threatening cardiovascular illness. This session focuses on the evaluation and support of individuals with cardiogenic shock, advanced heart failure, severe arrhythmias, post–cardiac arrest states, and complex post-operative conditions. Participants will examine hemodynamic monitoring strategies, ventilatory support options, and pharmacologic interventions that stabilize circulation and protect vital organs. The session is designed for cardiologists, intensivists, nurses, and allied professionals working in coronary care units (CCUs) and cardiovascular intensive care units (CICUs).

As more clinicians look for a dedicated cardiology conference, there is growing recognition that traditional CCUs must evolve to manage increasingly complex multi-organ failure. This session reviews bedside echocardiography, invasive monitoring, and advanced modalities such as pulmonary artery catheters to guide resuscitation. Attendees will discuss vasopressor, inotrope, and vasodilator selection, balancing perfusion goals with arrhythmia and ischemia risk. Guidance is provided on managing acute decompensated heart failure, right ventricular failure, acute coronary syndromes with shock, and high-risk arrhythmias in the critical care environment.

A key emphasis is the structure and function of a cardiovascular intensive care team. Participants will explore multidisciplinary rounds, standardized order sets, and escalation protocols that ensure coordinated care across cardiology, critical care, nephrology, and other specialties. The session addresses ventilator management in cardiac patients, renal replacement therapy decisions, and sedation strategies tailored to hemodynamic instability and neurological assessment. Real-world cases will highlight ethical challenges, goals-of-care conversations, and transitions from aggressive support to palliative approaches when appropriate.

The session also looks at systems-level improvements: rapid response teams, shock pathways, and integration of mechanical circulatory support devices such as intra-aortic balloon pumps, Impella, and ECMO. Attendees will learn how registries, performance metrics, and structured debriefings after critical events can drive quality improvement. By the end, participants will have a richer understanding of how to organize and deliver high-quality cardiac intensive care that improves survival, functional outcomes, and patient and family experience.