Cardiopulmonary Department

The cardiopulmonary department at Electra Memorial Hospital is staffed by licensed respiratory therapists with education, training and experience in all of the services we offer. We perform several different Respiratory and Cardiac procedures as well as diagnostic testing.

• Arterial Blood Gases
• Emergency Services
• Pulmonary Function Testing
• Pulmonary Stress Testing
• Pulse Oximetry
• Respiratory Treatments
• Sleep Studies
• Ventilator Management
• Cardiac Holter Monitoring
• Cardiac Stress Testing
• Echocardiogram
• Helpful Links
• Contact Department

Arterial Blood Gases

Arterial blood gas is used to determine several parameters in the blood such as PH level, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels along with several other Values.

Emergency Services

The Cardiopulmonary staff is certified in basic life support and advanced life support. Their knowledge and skills are used in emergency settings.

Pulmonary Function Testing

Pulmonary Function Test or PFT is a breathing test that measures lung volumes; it is used to diagnose lung problems such as asthma and COPD. It is the most useful tool for receiving early detection of lung disease and proper treatment.

If you are scheduled for a PFT, you should not smoke, eat or take any brochodialtors two hours prior to the test. Test results will be available immediately following the test for physician interpretation.

Pulmonary Stress Testing

Pulmonary Stress Testing consists of one of two different tests. One test is a pre and post PFT test. Patient will perform a simple spirometry test for baseline results, then be placed on a treadmill unit dyspnea or shortness of breath occurs then the PFT will be repeated following a short rest period. The other test is a six-minute walk test to evaluate oxygen saturation. A baseline oxygen level will be obtained by pulse oximetry then the patient will be asked to walk for six minutes while the oxygen level is monitored.

Pulse Oximetry

Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive tool placed on the finger to determine the oxygen level in the blood. It is the fastest and easiest way to determine if a patient is getting enough oxygen.

Respiratory Treatments

Respiratory treatments include a variety of modalities including nebulizer treatments, inhalers, aerosol treatments, PEP therapy of flutter, chest percussion and oxygen. These treatments are designed to care for patients with breathing problems such as asthma, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress and COPD including emphysema and bronchitis.

Sleep Studies

Sleep studies are used to diagnose sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, a common condition in which a person stops breathing for several seconds at a time during sleep. Several parameters are recorded including airflow through the nose and mouth, chest movement, oxygen level, brain activity and leg movements. Sleep apnea is associated with loud snoring, daytime sleepiness and morning headaches. This is a very serious problem that affects every aspect of a person’s daily life, from being tired at work to falling asleep at the wheel. Sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated effectively.

If you are scheduled for a study, you will be asked to arrive at the hospital about 9:00 pm. Please bring loose comfortable clothes to sleep in such as cotton pajamas or tee shirt and shorts. We do not recommend wearing fabrics like silk or satin as they interfere with the recording process. You may also bring your own pillow, blanket or throw if it will help you sleep. The study is usually ended around 6:00am. Test results are normally available one to two days following the test for physician interpretation.

Ventilator Management

Ventilators area used for the critically ill or trauma patients who need help with breathing and sometime used for surgery patients while waking up from anesthesia.

Cardiac Holter Monitoring

A Cardiac holter is a small portable monitor that records a patient’s heart rhythm for 24 hours. It is a useful tool for patients with reoccurring symptoms that cannot be detected by a single ECG.

Cardiac Stress Testing

Cardiac stress testing is used to diagnose abnormalities in the heart, most commonly, blockage of the coronary arteries. Patients are connected to a heart monitor and walk on a treadmill to increase the heart rate. This test is performed under the supervision of a Physician.

If you are scheduled for a stress test, please bring a list of your current heart and/or blood pressure medications. If you are taking a Beta Blocker, do not take that particular medication before having the test that day. Do not eat or smoke 2 hours prior to the test and you should wear walking shoes and loose comfortable clothing. Test results are available immediately following the test for physician interpretation.

Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram or 2D-Echo is non-invasive procedure that uses harmless sound waves to produce a picture of the heart by placing a probe at different locations on the chest. Several views of the heart chambers and valves can be recorded and measured then diagnosed by a cardiologist. Electrocardiogram or ECG is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to detect abnormalities in the hearts electrical activities.

Helpful Links

• American Cancer Society
  
  
• American Heart Association
  
  
• American Lung Association
  
  
• Canadian Lung Association
  
  
• Emphysema Foundation
  
  

Contact the Cardiopulmonary Department

• To contact the department please call 940-495-3981
  
  
• Respiratory Department - ext.176
  
  
• Cardiopulmonary Outpatient Lab – ext. 150
  
  
• E-mail Clark Turner - clark.turner@electrahospital.com