Cardiopulmonary Services consists of Respiratory Care Practitioners, Echo/EKG Technicians, Pulmonary Function Technicians, and EEG Technicians
Respiratory Care Practitioners help patients when they are having problems with their breathing, which can be a complication of cancer and cancer treatment. They work with patients individually on special exercises and treatments to correct breathing difficulties. Specialists also provide care to patients who have undergone surgical procedures that could make them vulnerable to pneumonia.
Echo/EKG Technicians perform Echocardiograms and EKGs. An Echocardiogram, or Echo, is an ultrasound of the heart. An Echo is used to determine the strength of the heart and how well the heart valves work. An EKG, which is short for Electrocardiogram, (also called an ECG) is a snapshot of the heart and is used to see if there are disturbances in the heart rhythm.
Pulmonary Function Technicians perform diagnostic tests to determine how well the lungs work. They frequently use fiber optic scopes as part of the tests.
EEG Technicians perform an EEG, which is short for Electroencephalogram. An EEG is a diagnostic test used to see how well the brain works by looking for disturbances in brain activity.
The goal of St. Jude's cardiopulmonary services staff is the same as child life specialists, rehabilitation therapists, registered dietitians, and nurses: to promote the growth and development of every child. Everyone at St. Jude is dedicated to one goal -- providing the highest quality care to children who suffer from catastrophic diseases.