The Saline Heart Group Cardiopulmonary department was established to allow more accurate monitoring of our patients heart problems.  A variety of equipment is available today to quickly update the clinician about a patient’s condition. 

Pulmonary function testing

The same high level machine available in many hospitals is available to the patients of Saline Heart Group.  Spirometry, lung volumes and DLCO measurements are expeditiously performed by trained staff.  The severity of a patient’s bronchitis or emphysema (COPD) can also be assessed.  We are often asked by surgical colleagues to perform preoperative lung assessments. 

Impedance Cardiography

A unique device (BioZ) that appears similar to an EKG machine, but thru bio impedance allows estimation of blood volume (hydration and dehydration), heart output (how much blood a patient heart can move per minute) and systemic vascular resistance ( a measure of how "clamped" a patients blood vessels are). 

This machine enables cardiologists to determine whether shortness of breath problems has a cardiac or lung origin.  It is invaluable in helping to guide hypertension (high blood pressure) medical therapy.

Holter Monitoring

These are small devices that allow your cardiologist to view every beat your heart makes over a twenty -four to forty-eight hour period.  It is a valuable tool for ruling out a need for pacemaker implantation and for monitoring critical heart arrhythmias.

Event Monitoring/24-7 telemetry

These devices allow your cardiologist to evaluate particular symptoms and see if they relate to heart arrhythmia. Constant heart monitoring via satellite is also available.

Pacemaker follow-up

We are able to evaluate your pacemaker at home by telephone and can provide a more complete evaluation of the pacemaker or defibrillator in the office.  Pacemaker company technical representatives are also readily available when additional equipment is needed. 

EKG analysis

The most up-to-date GE diagnostic technology is available.

Linda Hyde, a registered respiratory therapist is our Cardipulmonary technical director and leads a talented group of professionals in providing these clinical tests and services. Dr. Baxley and Dr. Hatch are proud to offer these high level evaluation monitoring services to our community.

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