Cardiovascular Technologist & Heart Catheterization
Cardiovascular technologists assist medical doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac (heart) and peripheral vascular (blood vessel) conditions. A cardiovascular technologist can specialize in one of three areas: invasive cardiology, echocardiography, or vascular technology. Cardiovascular technologists who specialize in invasive cardiology assist doctors with heart catheterization, echocardiography technologists operate ultrasound equipment, and vascular technologists assist in the diagnosis of circulation disorders.
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Heart Catheterization
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To perform a cardiac catheterization, the doctor inserts a small tube (catheter) into an artery or vein in the patient's arm or leg and threads the catheter through the blood vessel to the heart. The doctor can examine blood flow to the heart and test how well the heart is pumping. The primary purpose of a heart catheterization procedure is to determine if the blood vessels that supply the heart have a blockage. However, the procedure can also help diagnose other cardiac problems or can include balloon angioplasty to treat blockages in blood vessels or heart valves without heart surgery.
Procedure Preparation
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Cardiovascular technologists get the patient ready for the cardiac catheterization. They position the patient on an examining table. They then shave (if necessary) and clean the area where the doctor will insert the catheter and give the patient an injection of anesthesia to numb the area.
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During the Procedure
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During the heart catheterization, the cardiovascular technologist monitors the patient's blood pressure and heart rate with electrocardiogram (ECG) equipment, which provides a graphical output of the heart's electrical activity. If something seems wrong, the technologist informs the doctor. Sometimes, the cardiovascular technologist may assist with the actual insertion of the catheter.
The other duties of a cardiovascular technologist may include scheduling appointments and reviewing test interpretations and patient files.
Training
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According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, most cardiovascular technologists, complete a two-year program and receive an associate's degree. However, four-year training programs are also available. In a two-year program, the first year includes core medical courses and the second year is specialized instruction in either invasive cardiology, echocardiography, or vascular technology.
Cardiovascular technologists can also receive credentialing in a specialty from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) by completing an accredited education program and taking a credentialing exam. Credentialing is voluntary, but most employers require it.
Work Conditions
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The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that about 77% of cardiovascular technologists work in hospitals, mostly in cardiology departments. Other available jobs are in doctors' offices and in medical and diagnostic laboratories and imaging centers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook also notes that working in a catheterization lab can be stressful because of the close contact with patients with serious, sometimes life-threatening, heart ailments. The median salary (as of May 2008) for cardiovascular technologists was $47,010 a year.
Technologists can advance and have increasing responsibility through work experience or by having credentials in more than one cardiovascular specialty. Supervisory or management positions are also available for cardiovascular technologists, as is working in education or being involved with lab work.
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References
- Photo Credit Heartbeat image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com
