Sleep Study A sleep study or polysomnogram (PSG) is a test that electronically transmits and records specific physical activities while you sleep. The recordings become data that a qualified sleep specialist analyzes to figure out if you have a sleep disorder. There are four kinds of sleep studies. Diagnostic overnight PSG is general monitoring of sleep and a variety of body functions during…
Thoracoscopy What is thoracoscopy? Thoracoscopy is a procedure used to look inside the chest cavity. This is done with a thoracoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light and a small video camera on the end. The tube is put in through a small cut made near the lower end of the shoulder blade between the…
Bronchoscopies Diagnostic & Therapeutic Bronchoscopy Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows us to look at your airway through a thin viewing instrument called a bronchoscope. During a bronchoscopy, we will examine your throat, larynx, trachea and lower airways. Bronchoscopy may be done to diagnose problems with the airway, the lungs, or with the lymph nodes…
6 Minute Walk Test A 6-minute walk test is generally done at the start of a pulmonary rehabilitation program or to evaluate a patient OF ILD or for lung surgery. The test measures the distance a patient can walk quickly on a flat, hard surface in 6 minutes and reflects an individual’s ability to perform…
Thoracentesis Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs (pleura) and the wall of the chest How the Test is Performed A small area of skin on your back is cleaned. Numbing medicine (local anesthetic) is injected in this area. A needle is placed through…
Spirometry Spirometry is the best test to assess lung function. It often is used to evaluate a person who has a chronic cough and sputum (mucus) production and a history of risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or Asthma, even if shortness of breath is not present. It is also used to find…
Pulmonary Rehab Shortness of breath often limits what people with COPD — or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) — can do. When ordinary activities like walking or climbing stairs become difficult, everyday life with COPD gets harder. Pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD includes a program of exercises that helps people build their physical fitness. Patients are also…
Critical Care Services Critically Ill patients managed in ICU require close monitoring and prompt management. These patients might need oxygen, Non Invasive Ventilators or Ventilators and highly skilled nursing care.
Evaluation for Home Oxygen Description This test is required in order to qualify for oxygen under the Home Oxygen Program. A home oxygen assessment includes monitoring oxygen levels on room air, a possible arterial blood gas (if oxygen levels low), as well as the possibility of a walking oxygen level test. Test Procedure A small…
Evaluation of Lung Nodules A solitary pulmonary nodule is a round or oval spot (lesion) in the lungs that is seen with a chest x-ray or CT scan. Causes More than half of all solitary pulmonary nodules are noncancerous (benign). Benign nodules have many causes, including old scars and infections. Infectious granulomas (reactions to a…