Cardiac Step Down Unit (CSDU)
There are times when a heart condition requires intermediate-care without needing intensive care-level support.
In the Cook Children's Cardiac Step Down Unit (CSDU), our team provides excellent care to ensure that your child makes a transition towards discharge in the most effective and efficient way possible.
Our CSDU is a specialized area within the Heart Center where children who have undergone cardiac surgery or have complex heart conditions can receive intermediate care and monitoring.
After your child has undergone cardiac surgery, they will require close monitoring of their vital signs, cardiac function and other critical parameters. As a pediatric CDSU, we provide a safe and secure environment for your child to recover from their surgery, receive medication management as well as ongoing medical care.
The CSDU team, led by medical director Deborah Schutte, M.D., specializes in intermediate-cardiac care for patient's birth through adulthood with congenital heart disease and defects post-operatively from the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU). The CSDU also cares for patients with abnormal heart rhythms which may need medication or surgical intervention, heart failure from congenital and acquired cases, and home ventilator therapy.
Our CSDU is a dedicated, 14-bed unit that cares for approximately 1,000 patients each year. The team includes intensivists, cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, nurse practitioners, cardiac trained nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, discharge coordinators, social workers, case managers and nutritionists. At Cook Children's, we believe in a team approach for the care of each child with heart disease. Every child presents unique challenges and requires individually tailored therapies across many different medical services and programs.
Our cardiology team completes daily rounds on each patient in the CSDU. These rounds allow for a collaborative approach in the plan of care for your child. As your child's caregiver, you are invited and encouraged to participate as we discuss your child's care during these rounds.
Cardiologists
APP's
Dana Westcott, APRN
Jessica Crow, APRN
Appointments and referrals
Rare and complex congenital heart defects don't always present a clear cut method of treatment. Often, there are multiple ways of approaching the diagnosis. Our physicians are available to provide second opinions for families seeking alternative treatment options. If you would like to schedule an appointment, refer a patient or speak to our staff, please call our offices at 682-885-2140.