The PO cardiac ICU was first opened in 1990 in conjunction with the cardiac catheter lab. and operating theaters in the 5th floor of the Japanese Hospital as a part of the 2nd phase extension program. It included only 10 beds”5 for cardiac surgery&5 for neurosurgery"

In 2004, a limited renovation was done and the capacity was increased to 11 beds where the unit became exclusively for cardiac surgery as well as cath. patients. In addition, an intermediate step down unit was opened in the 4th floor to be a vent for the cardiac ICU patients

In 2006 the project of quality improvement was initiated and it was just a dream to have a global renovation of the unit which was not fulfilling the requisites of the new millennium.

In 2007, it became no more a dream and the final renovation was done as a fund from chain of hope and Sir Magdy Yacoub. The landscape was redesigned and capacity was again increased to a total of 13beds.

It is worth wise to mention that our PO. CICU is considered one of the largest centers for pediatric cardiac surgery in Egypt with a unique nature, being a tertiary unit and consequently accepting the most complicated cases with congenital heart disease.

On behalf of the cardiology team , we are deeply indebted to Professor Fadia Mahmoud ,the former Head of the Pediatric and Cardiology Departments for her generous support to the cardiology department and all team members. Her long term vision was the cornerstone for initiation of the cardiac ICU which turned out now to be one of the most imminent centers in Egypt.