Definition of a Cardiovascular Technologist
A cardiovascular technologist is someone who works closely with medical staff, including general-practice physicians and cardiologists. They perform procedures related to the cardiovascular system and analyze results that ultimately help physicians determine a proper diagnosis of problems with the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular technologists use different kinds of equipment to view blood vessels and determine blood flow and circuitry of the peripheral vascular system. Cardiovascular technologists specialize in different areas of the cardiac field. Each tech may perform slightly different tasks depending on what they specialize in.
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Echocardiography
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Echocardiography is an ultrasound of the heart. This test allows the technician to examine the chambers, valves and vessels of the heart. Technicians of this sort can also be called cardiac sonographers or echocardiographers. The ultrasound is generally performed while the patient is lying comfortably on an examination table. Some tests are performed while the patient is on a treadmill to determine how stress affects the heart. A more advanced procedure called transesophageal echocardiography involves placing a tubular scope into the esophagus to get a closer look at the heart.
Electrocardiography
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Electrocardiography involves measuring and observing the electrical impulses transmitted and produced by the heart. That test can determine if a patient has had a heart attack or has accrued damage to the heart. Electrodes are attached to the chest, legs and feet of the patient and the EKG (or ECG) then reads the pulses. That type of cardiovascular technician also sets a patient up with a halter monitor so they can observe the heart over an extended period of time. They may also set up stress tests for patients that involves a treadmill and both EKG and blood pressure monitoring and recording.
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Vascular Technology
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A cardiovascular technician specializing in vascular technology carefully measures how the heart is affecting the surrounding vascular system. That is done by evaluating electrical pulses, assessing vein and blood vessel structure, oxygen saturation levels in the blood, and cerebral and peripheral circulation. Those tests are generally performed before and after major heart or vascular surgeries.
Non-invasive Procedures
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A cardiovascular technician who performs EKGs, echocardiograms and stress tests is someone who performs non-invasive procedures. In addition to performing the procedures, their job description also includes recording differences, noting possible complications or diseases, deciding what images and information to report to the physician, and choosing which images to include in the final report. They should also retrieve any additional medical information from the patient or the patient's caregivers. They should go over the procedures with the patient and be able to address any concerns the patient may have.
Invasive Procedures
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Cardiovascular techs who specialize in invasive cardiology assist physicians. They prepare patients for tests and procedures such as heart catheterizations and electrophysiology tests. Heart catheterization is when a small catheter is inserted into the groin to reach the heart, from where the surgeon can visibly see any blockages or malformations of the heart. An angioplasty may also be performed to open up blocked arteries or place a stent inside an artery to restore blood flow. The electrophysiology test reaches inside the heart tissue to get a closer look at electrical impulses that may be causing arrhythmias or tachycardia.
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