Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU)

The new Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU) opened in September 2010 in the fully renovated space on 4 South. Lankenau surgeons perform more than 600 heart related procedures each year. The new 14-bed CTICU was built to care for cardiac surgery patients, as well as general surgical patients who require critical care monitoring.

The CTICU was designed with collaborative input from the nurses, physicians, surgeons and staff who care for patients in the unit. It incorporates innovative features that are proven to enhance patient safety, healing and workflow efficiency. The unit is located near the operating room and will be easily accessible to the new Heart & Vascular Pavilion.

Designed for Safety and Infection Prevention

• No-touch access system at unit entrances to reduce risk of infection

• Private patient rooms designed for infection control—sinks and Avagard hand sanitizer in every room; easy-clean, non-porous surfaces; private patient sink and toilet; bins for soiled laundry in every room

• Ceiling lifts in every room to increase patient mobility, reduce risk of fall and incidence of bedsores, and lower risk of staff injury

• Safety hand bars throughout room

• Computer, phone and medication in each room to reduce the need for caregivers to step away from patients

• Dedicated water source for dialysis team

Workflow Features for Better Outcomes

• Identical room orientation and layout to improve functionality and reduce the chance of errors. Details such as access to outlets, color coding for safety, bedside technology and positioning of lighting were all selected to maximize patient safety and staff efficiency

• CTICU is divided into two workstations with "pod" workspaces located between every two rooms. This allows nurses to work closer to their patients' rooms, greatly improves sight lines and reduces travel to main nursing station

• Alcoves for equipment to reduce the risk of hallway accidents and ease patient transport

Comfort of Patient and Family

• Private rooms feature abundant natural light, individual air controls, soothing color and decor, spacious family seating, and a peaceful view of St. Charles Seminary for a more comfortable experience

• Improved nurse call system, rubber flooring, and glass doors to replace curtains, to reduce noise throughout unit 

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Related Links

• News release: Lankenau Medical Center Debuts New Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit