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The equipment and the procedures in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) incorporate the latest in technological and developmental advances. Many medical and surgical procedures are performed within the unit. For example, retinal exams and laser eye surgery are performed in a suite inthe NICU by a pediatric retinologist.
Some other readily available pediatric subspecialties include:
- Allergists
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- ENT (ear, nose, throat)
- Gastroenterology
- General Surgery
- Genetics
- Hematology
- Infectious Disease
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Opthalmology
- Orthopaedics
- Plastic Surgery
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
- Rehabilation
- Urology
Infants with varying degrees of respiratory requirements can be managed on several different types of supportive machines including conventional ventilators and high frequency oscillators, as well as nitric oxide ventilation, and jet ventilators. Supplemental oxygen can be provided with these machines and by direct flow into the baby's isolette, or through masks, hoods or nasal cannulas.
Newborns, especially those who are sick or premature, often need help keeping their body temperature at the right level. Several types of beds are used to regulate our patients' temperatures. A radiant warmer over an open bed, an isolette (or incubator), or a crib can be used depending on the infant's need for accessibility and observation.
When the tiny heart or lungs-or both- of a newborn are weak and virtually unable to function, a piece of state-of-the-art equipment literally comes to the rescue. The ECMO (for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), is a delicate, precise piece of equipment that must be administered by a staff of highly specialized, experienced physicians and nurses. The St.Vincent ECMO program is one of only two in the state.
In response to the needs of the community and our expanding referral base, the St.Vincent NICU offers Newborn Transport Services. A transport team consists of a neonatologist, a registered nurse, and a respiratory therapist that have received specific training in stabilization and transport of critically ill infants. A transport ambulance containing specialized equipment is available 24 hours, with back up as needed. For more information about this service refer to Newborn and Pediatric Transport Services.
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