Cardiopulmonary Services

The Cardiopulmonary Services Department at College Medical Center is a full- service department that diagnoses and treats health problems associated with the heart and lungs. The Services offered include EKGs, Cardiac Stress Testing, Pulmonary Function testing and Electroencephalograms (EEGs). Care is delivered to patients with asthma, COPD, respiratory failure, pneumonia, RSV, CHF, MI and other diseases which can affect the cardiac and pulmonary system, as well as patients who need postoperative care. Our Cardiology staff is nationally registered. Both out-patient and in-patient services are provided.

The Respiratory Department at College Medical Center provides inpatient services 24 hours a day. All providers are California licensed and nationally certified or registered and hold BLS, ACLS, NRP and PALS certifications. Therapists consult with physicians to provide services including assessment, evaluation and treatment of patients with pulmonary or cardiac impairment while assessing the treatment effectiveness. The department provides care to patients of all ages.

Echocardiograms

An echocardiogram (also known as Echo) is a safe and painless procedure. This procedure helps the cardiologist and your primary care physician diagnose heart problems. Echocardiogram uses ultrasound via a transducer placed gently on the chest, picking up sound waves to create images of the heart. The Echo will show the size of the heart, the chambers and valves.

Stress tests

A stress test helps the doctor determine how well your heart handles increased work and will evaluate the heart rhythm while the patient is exercising. While walking on the treadmill, EKG leads are placed on the chest to record rhythm, heart rate and blood pressure changes. For those patients who are unable to exercise adequately, a drug is administered to mimic the effect of exercise on the heart.

Cardiac Nuclear Imaging

Cardiac nuclear imaging or perfusion scan is a way of checking blood flow through the muscle of the heart. During the exam, a small amount of radioactive material is entered into the blood stream via a IV and a camera scans the movement of the radioactive material as it flows through the heart. This material will leave the body within hours of administration. Cardiac nuclear imaging may be a part of the stress test which will occur in the Radiology Department.

Pulmonary Function Lab

Pulmonary function tests provide a way to evaluate how well your lungs are working. There are a series of tests you may be given. The testing time may take one hour or more. These tests can help explain shortness of breath, type of lung problem, the effects of smoking or if you are at risk of breathing problems during general anesthesia.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a recording of the electrical activity of the brain. EEG is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate seizure disorders, metabolic disorders, stroke, infections of the central nervous system, degenerative disorders, head trauma, headache, brain tumors and brain death. The EEG test is a painless procedure, which takes about 1-1⁄2 hours. The patient may be required to sleep during a portion of the test.

Respiratory Care Services

The respiratory therapist is a licensed practitioner trained to work with the primary care or specialty physicians. They collaborate with the physicians and follow orders provided by your physician, and assumes primary responsibility for all respiratory care, therapeutic interventions and diagnostic procedures. Respiratory therapists evaluate and treat all age ranges of patients with diverse respiratory/pulmonary disorders.