Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)

Specialized Critical Care for Heart Patients

The 12-bed Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) at Torrance Memorial Medical Center provides advanced critical care for patients with severe heart disease and those recovering from complex cardiovascular procedures or cardiac events. Our team includes seven board-certified intensivists and highly specialized cardiovascular nurses who work together to deliver expert care using advanced monitoring technology, evidence-based protocols and a highly collaborative approach.

Our CVICU is among a select group of hospitals nationwide to earn the Gold Beacon Award for Excellence, recognizing exceptional patient outcomes and the highest standards of critical care nursing.

Nationally Recognized Cardiac ICU

The Gold-Level Beacon Award for Excellence, awarded by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), recognizes hospital units that demonstrate superior patient care, strong teamwork and outstanding clinical outcomes.

Patients in Torrance Memorial’s CVICU benefit from:

• Specialized cardiovascular critical care nurses
• Dedicated intensivists focused on cardiac recovery
• Advanced cardiac monitoring and life-support technology
• Evidence-based treatment protocols proven to improve outcomes
• A collaborative care team that includes cardiologists, surgeons and specialists

Connected Communication

At Torrance Memorial’s CVICU, communication is central to high-quality cardiovascular care.

Our nurses and intensivists work closely with cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, emergency physicians and other specialists to coordinate care for every patient.

To ensure seamless transitions and continuity of care, our team prioritizes in-person “warm handoffs” whenever possible. These face-to-face discussions allow physicians and nurses to review patient history, treatment plans and next steps together before a patient enters the CVICU.

Our care teams also stay connected through secure HIPAA-protected messaging and direct mobile communication, allowing rapid response and real-time collaboration.

Compassionate, Patient-Centered Care

A stay in the CVICU can feel overwhelming for both patients and their families. Our team is committed to providing not only advanced medical care, but also reassurance, clarity and compassion during every step of recovery.

Our nurses and intensivists take time to explain:

• Each treatment or medication

• What monitoring equipment does

• What patients and families can expect during recovery

To deliver the most attentive care possible, each CVICU nurse cares for only one patient at a time following surgery, remaining in the patient’s room and continuously monitoring their condition.

This dedicated model ensures patients receive constant observation and highly personalized care.

Advanced Planning & Proven Care Protocols

Our CVICU team works proactively to ensure the best possible recovery for every patient.

Whenever possible, specialists review diagnostic results and collaborate with surgeons and cardiologists in advance to develop a detailed care plan before a patient arrives in the unit.

Our team follows evidence-based protocols designed to improve recovery and patient safety, including:

• Early mobility programs that help patients begin movement sooner after surgery

• Continuous monitoring protocols to detect complications early

• Structured care pathways that improve outcomes and reduce recovery time

These proven approaches help reduce complications such as delirium, shorten ICU stays and support faster recovery after cardiac procedures.

When Patients Need the Highest Level of Heart Care

For patients recovering from heart surgery, heart attacks or complex cardiovascular procedures, Torrance Memorial’s CVICU provides the highest level of monitoring, expertise and compassionate care.