On the evening of September 10th, a number of local GPs, consultants and surgeons attended a medical meeting at London Medical. The presentation, given by Dr John Goldstone MD FRCA, Consultant Anaesthetist, Cardio Pulmonary Exercise Testing, gave an informative insight into Cardio-Pulmonary exercise testing - a non invasive measurement of the capacity of the heart lung unit which is a widely used to assess risk prior to surgery.

Dr Goldstone explained that Heart Lung capacity has an important impact on survivability following major surgery. Those patients who have little reserve have poorer outcomes, an increased hospital length of stay and a 3-5 fold increase in mortality. If these patients are identified before surgery, simple goal directed therapy has been shown to have a dramatic effect, reducing mortality and morbidity significantly.

Because CPX assesses the heart and lungs it can be used to identify why patients are breathless. CPX has been used to demonstrate the effect of exercise programs in rehabilitation programs for COPD and following myocardial infarction. Finally, CPX guides exercise prescription in patients, is used for guiding weight loss and assisting those returning to exercise.

The meeting concluded with a demonstration of London Medical’s CPX equipment. An acting patient performed mild exercise on an upright bicycle for approximately 10 minutes. Each breath was measured through a mouthpiece to assess the body’s performance, whilst the capacity and strength of the lungs, as well as his ECG (heart tracing) was recorded before, during and post exercise.

Dr Goldstone said of the evening: “This presentation demonstrated that CPX identifies high risk patients prior to surgery and is the current gold standard for assessment. Dramatic decreases in mortality can be achieved by optimal cardiovascular management before and after major surgery. We are pleased to announce that CPX is now available for all Outpatients at London Medical”

For more information please call London Medical on 020 7467 5470, visit the website on www.londonmedical.co.uk or e-mail info@londonmedical.co.uk.