Advanced Medical Technologies

Balloon Dilation Catheters
Balloon Dilation Catheters are used to open partial blockages in arteries.

Blood Banks
We maintain a blood bank in which we stock all types of blood for future patient use. We are able to supply all blood and blood products to our patients through our contract with the Tri-State Regional Red Cross Chapter.

Bone Densitometry
Doctors have found that the best method to detect Osteoporosis is a medical test to measure the amount of remaining bone. St. Joseph’s new GE LUNAR bone densitometer does just that with a quick and painless scan. It uses low intensity x-rays to measure the amount of bone mineral in the patient’s system, which directly relates to the patient’s bone strength.

Cardiac Catheterization Labs
The Cardiac Cathererization Lab at St. Joseph’s Hospital provides diagnostic images of the coronary arteries so the physician can prescribe the best treatment possible. This is the only way to accurately identify how much blockage there may be in exactly which artery in the heart. In April 2004 St. Joseph’s Hospital became the only hospital in the Mid-Ohio Valley approved to perform angioplasties and stents to repair blockages. The St. Joseph’s team has completed over 7000 Caths and works so well together that they are able to anticipate patient needs.

Cardiac Imaging
Cardiac Imaging is done with xray, nuclear scans and ultrasound scans to identify disease of the heart muscle and its blood supply. Echocardiography at St. Joseph’s is performed only by techinicians specifically credentialed in cardiac ultrasound. They have had special training that enable them to perform echos on infants and children.

Cardiac Rehabilitation
St. Joseph’s Hospital has offered Cardiac Rehab since 1989 and Pulmonary Rehab since 1994. Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to limit the physiological and psychological effects of cardiac and pulmonary illness; reduce the risk for sudden death or relapse; control cardiac symptoms; stabilize and/or improve the patient’s condition; and enhance the patient’s quality of life.

The Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs at St. Joseph’s Hospital have been awarded Program Recertification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). The AACVPR is a national, multi-disciplinary association dedicated to the improvement of clinical practice, promotion of scientific inquiry, and advancement of education for the benefit of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation professionals and the patients they serve. Recertification occurs every three years through the AACVPR.

Cardiovascular Non-Invasive
Cardiovascular Non-Invasive includes a wide variety of tests including ECG, stress testing, Holter Monitoring, pacemaker analysis. These data are used by the doctor in diagosing heart disease and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. Brand new state-of-the-art stress equipment was put into sevice on July 31, 2000. St. Joseph has the only pacemaker clinic in the region and has over 600 patients in its data base.

CT Scan

Dialysis
Dialysis services at St. Joseph’s is offered through a relationship with Gambro. We have an excellent staff with many years of experience. This unit has been recognized in the past by the Mid-Atlantic Renal Coalition for having one of the lowest mortality rates in the network. This network covers West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.

Peritoneal dialysis is a type of dialysis procedure that is done at home by the patient. There is no blood involved in this treatment. A catheter is surgically placed in the abdomen and dialysis solution is placed in the abdominal cavity through this catheter. This solution must be drained and replaced 4 times daily 7 days a week. This “exchange” of dialysis solution takes about 30 minutes to complete each time, this is called CAPD. CCPD is a type of peritoneal dialysis that is performed at night by an automatic machine. This requires being connected to a machine about 9 hours while you sleep, making the daytime hours free for many people. This procedure is well liked by the person who wants to remain independent and take charge of their treatment.

Hemodialysis (Acute)
Hemodialysis is a treatment which replaces kidney function when a persons kidneys fail. This treatment may be acute with a sudden severe illness, or may be a permanent (chronic) treatment. RN staff are on call 24 hours a day for the acute needs of the dialysis patients. For the critically ill unstable patient requiring renal replacement therapy St. Joseph’s provides CVVH, this is for the patient to unstable for conventional hemodialysis. This is a slow ongoing dialysis procedure that can last several days. St. Joseph’s is the only hospital in the area that provides CVVH.

Lithotripsy

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Physical Therapy
St. Joseph’s Hospital provides treatment for inpatients suffering from injury or muscle, nerve, joint and bone diseases to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability.

Sleep Diagnostic Systems
The Sleep Center of St. Joseph’s Hospital evaluates and treats all sleep disturbances, including the following conditions and symptoms:

· Snoring
· Sleep apnea
· Narcolepsy
· Sleep-wake schedule disorders
· Daytime sleepiness
· Sleepwalking
· Nocturnal myoclonus
· Nocturnal asthma/COPD
· REM sleep behavior disorders
· Restless legs syndrome
· Sleep disorders in the elderly
· Sleep disorders in children

The Sleep Center rooms are monitored by closed circuit television and microphones to assure that all sleep-related activity is seen and recorded for complete evaluation. The sleep study is painless. A specially trained technologist will apply sensors to the head, face, chest, abdomen and legs. State-of-the-art equipment monitors brain waves, eye movements, breathing, blood oxygen levels, heart rate and muscle activity during sleep. These functions can be normal while the individual is awake, but abnormal during sleep.