Cardiopulmonary Services

The Cardiopulmonary Department performs a host of functions, ranging from administering respiratory therapy to cardiac testing. The pulmonary side of the department is responsible for all therapies and testing related to diagnosis and management of lung disorders.

The following are offered:

• Bronchodilator therapy
  Indicated for any pulmonary condition where bronchoconstriction and/or secretion management may be a problem.
• Pulmonary Function Testing
  FVC, SVC, MVV, and Flow Volume Loops are offered. This may be useful in the diagnosis of restrictive and constrictive airway disease.
• Arterial Blood Gas Analysis
  Analysis of arterial blood for oxygenation, carbon dioxide, pH, base excess and saturation.
• Smoking Cessation Consultation
  Done on both an in-patient and out-patient basis. All patients are screened for tobacco use when admitted to our institution, and a therapist sees that patient for counseling within 24 hours. Classes are held on a regular basis for the community. They are provided with counseling and nicotine replacement if so desired, free of charge.
• Ventilator Management
  Critically ill and postoperative patients that require airway management are seen in our Intensive Care Unit, and monitored continuously by either a Respiratory Therapist or a properly trained RN.
• Oxygen Therapy
  Oxygen is administered according to hospital and department protocol, either by low flow or high flow devices.

Respiratory therapy services are provided by a Registered Respiratory Therapist seven days a week, from the hours of 7 am to 11 pm. Between the hours of 11 pm and 7 am, services are provided by the on call person. Nurses are trained to perform certain non-critical duties such as aerosol therapy, and set up of certain devices such as croup tents and isolettes.

The cardiac side of the department is responsible for:

• ECGs
  12 Lead ECGs are performed.
• Cardiac Stress Testing
  Stress testing is done on site in our cardiac lab. This includes regular and nuclear testing. The tests may be performed using pharmacologic means for those who may not be able to walk on a treadmill.
• Echocardiography
  Two Dimensional, Doppler, and Color Flow Maps are available on site both on an in-patient and out-patient basis, Monday through Friday from 0800 to 1500.
• Holtor Monitors
  24-hour Holtor monitoring is available.