Pulmonary Function Testing has been a major step forward in assessing the functional status of the lungs as it relates to :

  1. How much air volume can be moved in and out of the lungs
  2. How fast the air in the lungs can be moved in and out
  3. How stiff are the lungs and chest wall - a question about compliance
  4. The diffusion characteristics of the membrane through which the gas moves (determined by special tests)
  5. How the lungs respond to chest physical therapy procedures

Pulmonary Function Tests are used for the following reasons :

  1. Screening for the presence of obstructive and restrictive diseases
  2. Evaluating the patient prior to surgery - this is especially true of patients who :

a. are older than 60-65 years of age
b. are known to have pulmonary disease
c. are obese (as in pathologically obese)
d. have a history of smoking, cough or wheezing
e. will be under anesthesia for a lengthy period of time
f. are undergoing an abdominal or a thoracic operation

Note : A vital capacity is an important preoperative assessment tool. Significant reductions in vital capacity (less than 20 cc/Kg of ideal body weight) indicates that the patient is at a higher risk for postoperative respiratory complications. This is because vital capacity reflects the patient's ability to take a deep breath, to cough, and to clear the airways of excess secretions.

  1. Evaluating the patient's condition for weaning from a ventilator. If the patient on a ventilator can demonstrate a vital capacity (VC) of 10 - 15 ml/Kg of body weight, it is generally thought that there is enough ventilatory reserve to permit (try) weaning and extubation.
  2. Documenting the progression of pulmonary disease - restrictive or obstructive
  3. Documenting the effectiveness of therapeutic intervention

Capabilities