Vascular Procedures
- Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS): Memorial Medical Center and SIU School of Medicine Cardiothoracic Surgery joined together to form a unique team to provide the highest-quality care to severe emphysema patients undergoing Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS). Memorial Medical Center was first hospital in Illinois to receive certification from The Joint Commission for its LVRS program. More than 600 people have received LVRS at Memorial.
- Zephyr® Endobronchial Valve System: This minimally invasive procedure can help people with emphysema breathe easier and enjoy improved quality of life without undergoing major surgery. This FDA-approved procedure requires no incisions and can be completed via bronchoscopy. These valves work to prevent air from becoming trapped in diseased portions of the lungs and allow the healthy parts of the lungs to take in more air. As a result, patients are often able to breathe more easily immediately after the procedure. Full recovery is usually achieved within a week and patients report increased energy and decreased shortness of breath. Memorial Medical Center is one of only a small number of hospitals in Illinois to offer the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve System to patients with severe COPD or emphysema.
- Testing: Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) refers to a broad range of tests led by a trained pulmonary function technologists. These tests measure how well the lungs take in and exhale air and how efficiently they transfer oxygen into and remove carbon dioxide from the blood. When performing the tests, the patient does a variety of breathing maneuvers, such as blowing, inhaling and breath-holding into a PFT machine. The doctor uses information from these tests, along with the results from other tests, to help identify possible causes of breathing difficulties or monitor the progression of lung disease or lungs' improvement due to treatment. A Cardiopulmonary Exercise/Stress Test is used to evaluate and diagnose conditions affecting breathing and heart function during exercise. The test involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bicycle while collecting data through a mouthpiece and EKG. This test evaluates breathing or heart function. It can also determine the likelihood of qualifying for surgery, monitor tolerance improvements and develop safe and effective exercise regimens.
- Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Exercise classes and education about lung disease and lung conditions prepare patients to participate in activities with less shortness of breath and strategies for coping with lung conditions in daily life. Physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, exercise specialists, dietitians and other specialists in lung disease work together to maximize patient success. Benefits include the ability to function better in daily life, increased ability to exercise and better management of anxiety and depression. While rehabilitation cannot cure lung disease, patients may notice improved breathing control, fewer breathing problems and improved strength and endurance.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation is an outpatient service designed for those with moderate to severe lung disease, as well as those who have recently undergone a lung procedure. Examples of moderate to severe lung disease include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS), lung transplantation and cystic fibrosis.
Process: Primary physician will review with patient to determine if pulmonary rehab is an option in health care plan. A doctor’s prescription is required for pulmonary rehabilitation enrollment as well as lung disease diagnosis and lung volume testing within last year meeting pulmonary rehab program guidelines. Questions? Call 217-862-0471 for more information about this accredited program.