Cardiovascular intensive care medicine

The Intensive Care Unit (9 places in total) is located on floor -1 of the Cardiocentro Ticino Institute and is divided into two operating units:

• The unit that provides continuous surveillance for patients with purely cardiological problems.
• The unit specializing in the management of patients undergoing heart surgery or with more complex cardiac problems.

The Intensive Care team performs its activities on three 8-hour shifts, ensuring continuous patient surveillance around the clock.
The presence of a physician is assured at all times, and each nurse is responsible for one to three patients, depending on the complexity of care required.

The patient is monitored by very sophisticated equipment, which is essential for monitoring his or her vital activities. This equipment is equipped with audible and visual alarms perceptible even from outside the rooms; staff, even if not present in the room, will intervene appropriately and promptly.

There are several professionals within the department, recognizable by the color of the uniform and the identification tag they wear.

• White coat: medical staff.
• Blue scrubs: intensive care nurses and nursing assistants.
• Green scrubs: operating room staff.
• White gown: inpatient ward nurse(s), physical therapists.
• Pink scrubs: cleaning staff.
• Blue scrubs: technical service staff.

During hospitalization in the ICU, it is possible to take with you:

• Toiletries (razor, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, deodorant, denture holder).
• Glasses.
• Slippers.
• Acute care device.
• Robe or shawl.
• The following personal items are also allowed:
  • Watch.
  • Small radio or audio player equipped with headphones.
  • Photo frame.

It is advisable not to bring in valuables, for which the staff takes no responsibility.
The use of cell phones is not allowed in the ward, as it may interfere with medical equipment.
Plants and flowers are not allowed in the ward.

Information pertaining to the patient's health status is provided only to persons indicated by the patient or close relatives.
By telephone, such information will be limited to safeguard the patient's privacy.

When the patient requires less intensive supervision, he or she is transferred to the inpatient ward, where constant monitoring is still provided if necessary.