The cardiovascular technologist (CVT) works in a hospital as a member of a team of medical professionals. They work with patients suspected of having cardiovascular disease. The CVT works to diagnose and treat these various cardiovascular pathologies. lab is a specialized X-ray angiography suite where a patient undergoes cardiac diagnostic and interventional procedures. Coronary angiography is a d
iagnostic procedure where small tubes called catheters are inserted into the blood vessels and advanced to the heart. Contrast is injected through these catheters to illuminate the blood vessels. X-ray motion pictures are taken to create a road map as the contrast flows through the vessels. If there are obstructions they will be visualized. Pressures in the various chambers are also measured. This provides the physician a working diagnosis. The patient is consulted and a treatment plan is formulated. This plan may mean another visit to the lab to treat the disease. This would be called an interventional procedure. The most common type of interventional procedures are designed to open obstructed blood vessels. To treat electrical problems we may implant pacemakers or defibrillators. These procedures require a team of three technologists with the physician. The credentials of the team may vary by region however the roles are consistent in the cath. These are:
Scrub-
Surgically scrubs in, preps and drapes the patient, then assists the physician with equipment. Equipment includes needles, wires, catheters, and medications. Circulator-
Moves about the lab during the procedure providing equipment to the scrub tech. as needed. Also attends to the needs of the patient as well as managing the IV drugs. Monitor-
Watches over the vital signs during the procedure. Documents the procedure and creates a medical record. Records the intra cardiac pressures. Is responsible for interdepartmental communications. There are many other procedures and sub procedures the CVT will be involved with. The roles are similar but the equipment and patients are variable. Level of training:
Is a graduate of an accredited program having earned an AAS in invasive cardiovascular technology. Definitions of an accredited program are established by CAHAAP and the AMA. And
Has passed the RCIS exam administered by CCI. (RCIS-CVT description borowed from: http://www.scc.spokane.edu/?ictjobdesc)
