Cardiology and Heart SurgeryImproving detection of critical congenital heart defects
New UC Davis research led by Heather Siefkes, M.D., assistant professor of pediatric critical care at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, is working to improve standard screening tools to detect critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) in newborns. By measuring blood flow levels in addition to blood oxygen levels, Siefkes research will help establish a screening threshold by applying artificial intelligence techniques to identify the blood flow value that can predict CCHD.
Pediatric cardiology chief receives master interventionalists designation
Frank Ing, M.D., chief of pediatric cardiology and co-director of the UC Davis Pediatric Heart Center, received a Master Interventionalists designation from the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI). The designation showcases excellence in invasive / interventional cardiology and a commitment to clinical care, innovation, publication and teaching. The society recognized Ing’s achievements in the development of transcatheter techniques, delivery systems and cardiovascular devices to treat congenital heart disease from the fetus to the elderly.
New pediatric heart mobility program
Last year, the UC Davis Pediatric and Cardiac Intensive Care Unit launched a new Pediatric A–F Bundle and Early Mobility Program for patients with congenital heart defects and other heart conditions. The approach, including early mobility and exercise, has been shown to help patients recover faster and decrease long-term effects of delirium. UC Davis Medical Center is the first in Northern California to have both a pediatric and adult early mobility program.
