Pulmonology

An oxygen study is a series of separate tests designed to evaluate oxygen level in the blood, heart rate response to exercise or a patient's perceived shortness of breath on exertion. These studies can be used as a quick and simple assessment of patient conditioning.

Two types are offered: Arterial Blood Gas (ABG), in which blood is drawn from an artery, where the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels can be measured before they enter body tissues.

In the Six-Minute Walk Study, patients are placed on a treadmill and asked to walk as much as possible for six minutes. Patients may speed up, slow down or rest as necessary. Because of physical exertion, some patients may temporarily become short of breath. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and resting blood saturation will be measured after the test. Oxygen saturation will be taken during the test.

Pulmonary Function Testing is used to assess lung mechanics and gas exchange efficiency and to classify respiratory impairment and help guide therapy options.

In a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), also called a Spirometry Test, you breathe into a mouthpiece connected to an instrument called a spirometer. It records the amount and the rate of air that you breathe in and out over a period of time.

Some PFTs allow you to breathe normally and quietly; others require forced inhalation or exhalation after a deep breath. Some patients experience a short period of light-headedness or shortness of breath.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation helps improve or maintain lung function which has been limited as a result of chronic respiratory illnesses. This 10-12 week program includes personal education and exercise training to help improve quality of life and increase independence, while also helping to reduce long-term medical costs. Rehab is provided by nationally credentialed state licensed therapists, technicians, and nurses under the guidance of the Cardiopulmonary Department’s Medical Director.

Education is the key component of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. Focused on providing the necessary tools to carry out day-to-day activities with minimal difficulty, the education component of the program aims to decrease and/or alleviate the symptoms of impaired respiratory function.

Education Topics Include:

• Controlled Breathing Techniques
• Medication Management
• Energy Conservation
• Nutrition
• Self-Care
• Tobacco Treatment (if applicable)

The following tests may be ordered and performed prior to your evaluation:

• Pulmonary Function Studies
• ECG
• Chest X-ray
• Basic Blood Work

Keep it Going - Maintenance

• Post 12 Week Program
• Two Days Per Week
• Out-of-Pocket Fee
• Supervised Exercise

Talk with your doctor to see if Pulmonary Rehabilitation is right for you.

BLVR is a minimally invasive procedure for patients with severe emphysema who consistently feel shortness of breath despite using COPD medications and/or oxygen. It uses an FDA-approved valve which has been shown to help patients breathe easier, be more active and energetic, experience less shortness of breath and enjoy a significantly improved quality of life.

The one-time procedure is done during a bronchoscopy that requires no cutting or incisions. During the procedure, about four small valves are placed in the airways to block off the diseased parts of the lungs. The valves reduce hyperinflation, preventing air from being trapped in the diseased area of the lung and allowing healthier parts of the lung to take in more air. This results in patients being able to breathe easier. Patients have reported immediate relief.

Patients can expect:

• Medication administered to make them sleepy.
• A small tube with a camera, called a bronchoscope, will be inserted into the lungs through the nose or mouth.
• An average of four FDA-approved valves are inserted in the airways.
• Patients stay in the hospital for approximately 3 nights for observation.
• After the procedure, patients continue to use doctor-prescribed medications for their condition.

Complications of the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve treatment can include, but are not limited to, pneumothorax, worsening of COPD symptoms, hemoptysis, pneumonia, dyspnea and, in rare cases, death.