Cardio-Pulmonary Care

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital’s department, Cardio-Pulmonary Care, features registered Respiratory Therapists and Exercise Physiologist all certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP). Our team provides expert care with compassion and respect in a friendly, cheerful and energetic environment.

What Do Cardio-Pulmonary Specialists Do?

Cardio-pulmonary specialists are Clinicians specialized in all conditions to do with the heart and lungs utilizing a range of cutting edge diagnostic tools including , PFT testing, Cardiac and Pulmonary  Stress testing, blood tests, and Holter monitor use.

Who Needs to see a Cardio-Pulmonary Specialist?

Anyone who has experienced repeat dizziness, faintness, shortness of breath, chest pains, difficulty breathing, or similar symptoms could benefit from a consultation with a cardio-pulmonary specialists.

Patients who have had a recent pulmonary episode or procedure should continue to consult with their cardio-pulmonary specialist to ensure they are healing correctly and to carefully monitor overall health to minimise the risk of a repeat event.

What Cardio-Pulmonary Procedures Do We Perform?

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital is proud to have one of the most advanced cardio-pulmonary suites in the Upper Peninsula. Our highly experienced cardio-pulmonary department is capable of performing many of the latest cardio-pulmonary procedures including:

• Sleep Study / Polysomnography
• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Pulmonary Stress Testing
• Pulmonary Disease Education & Training
• Cardiac Stress Testing
• Cardiac Education & Training
• Advanced Ventilator Care / Management
• Breath Alcohol Testing
• Arterial Blood Gas Sampling

The Zio® Heart Monitor

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital takes pride in being at the forefront of modern medicine in any field. One of the latest additions to our commitment to cutting edge technology is the Zio® heart monitor. Unlike traditional Holter monitors, which typically involve many wires and have to be taken off during certain routine activities, the Zio® is a completely wireless solution.

The Zio® is the world’s first single-use, continuous recording device. A simple, intuitive, comfortable and cost effective alternative that won’t get in the way of your day to day activities. Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital is proud to be the first and only hospital in the Upper Peninsula to offer this therapy.

Some of most innovative features include:

• Brand new device for every patient.
• Records every heartbeat to detect symptomatic and asymptomatic events.
• Can be worn up to 14 days (memory storage up to 14 days)
• Water-resistant with no external wires.
• It’s small, comfortable and inconspicuous
• No need for removal, even during daily activities, including showering and sleeping.
• Completely 100% Recyclable.

The extended monitoring time provided by the Zio® Patch beyond the 24-48 hours of monitoring provided by traditional Holter monitors may significantly improve diagnostic yield.

This can assist your cardiologist with a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of any conditions you might have.

Conventional Holter monitors tend to be quite bulky and cumbersome, resulting in many patients giving up on wearing them for the required amount of time. The Small size of the Zio® can increase patient compliance, as the device no longer disrupts your day and can simply be forgotten about while it does its job.

One of the most concerning trends in medicine over the past century has been the spread of nosocomial infections, or infections that are spread between patients while they are in hospital. Single-use devices such as the Zio® may limit the risk of transmitting infections between patients, and because they are 100% recyclable, they do not harm the environment either.

For more information contact the cardio-pulmonary department at 906.341.3231.

Testimonials

Marsha Dahmer Pulmonary Rehab Icon

Pre-Pulmonary Rehab Marsha began walking short distances near her home attempting to build her respiratory muscles and hopefully improve her debilitating COPD prognosis. She was admitted to the hospital for an exacerbation of her COPD in 2013. Scott Chartier visited her at this time and asked if she would like to try out the new Pulmonary Rehab program here at Schoolcraft Memorial.  “Why not!” she replied and so it began.

When Marsha entered the program, she was wearing oxygen all the time. She could only walk slowly and for a short time on the treadmill. She found the staff to be encouraging and easy to work with. She also found some new friends who were in a similar situation.  As time went on friendships grew.  She felt stronger and needed the oxygen less and less.

As Pulmonary Rehab begins today, Marsha is the first to arrive. After 8 years she is still in the program. She is now without oxygen using it only as she feels the need. She walks for up to an hour at a speed of 3.5 mph with an incline of 4.5 She works on the Nustep and uses the Arm Ergometer. She has lost about 50 pounds.  As the next group arrives someone jokes “Hey Marsha! I found someone who can beat you on the treadmill! Have you seen the Liberty commercial with the ostrich on the treadmill!?”

Marsha has recruited people back to the rehab program. Others have been so encouraged by her quiet diligence that they have asked to be in her time slot. Marsha’s motto is, “Never give up.” She’s an excellent example of what is possible Through rehab. We are all trying to catch up with Marsha. She is a Pulmonary Rehab Icon!