Career Center

General Summary

Under general supervision performs a variety of routine and specialized technical procedures in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. Assists physicians in the performance of cardiovascular diagnostic testing and other therapeutic/interventional procedures in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

• If certified by ARRT: Operates fluoroscopy, digital angiography equipment, applying ionizing radiation to cardiology patients in accordance with standard operating procedures. and according to departmental policies and procedure
• Operates hemodynamic monitors to include cardiac output, blood gas analyzers, oxygen consumption analyzers, patient assessment machines, such as blood pressure cuffs and pulse oximeters to measure the various vital organ outputs/functioning during the procedure.
• Operates procedural equipment to include but not limited to: Intravascular Ultrasound, Fractional Flow Resistance, Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps, Impella, Anglo-Jet, Power Injector.
• Provides care for cardiac patients efficiently according to unit specific protocols/ policies; responds quickly and efficiently in emergency situations. Communicates proactively to the health care team, changes in patient condition, the patient progress, and other relevant information. Provides education needs of Cardiac Catheterization patients and staff.
• Greets and receives patients. Interviews to obtain medical history and explains procedures/tests. Verify consent; performs "Time Out" and proper document pertinent clinical data.

A. Moves and/or assists patients onto and off the radiographic table according to the department's procedure manual. Applies EKG equipment, pulse oximeter and blood pressure cuff to obtain preliminary readings before procedure.

B. Obtains blood samples from patients, in-vitro via catheter and uses blood-gas analyzer and Automated Clotting Time (ACT) to analyze data. Reads blood-gas data, relates to physician and records data in procedure log.

C. Measures and records patient's cardiac output using computerized Cardiac Output Catheter to inject diluents into patient; relates data to physician and records in procedure log.

D. Monitors patient's hemodynamic/electrocardiography status and gives results to physician. Reads pressure tracings. Uses hemodynamic monitors to obtain and measure patient intra-cardiac pressures, edits wave forms, reporting and logging data obtained.

E. Sets up and maintains a sterile field by utilizing sterile technique; opens sterile procedure trays where applicable.

F. Recognizes and responds to emergency situations by utilizing CPR or contacting nursing or medical personnel. Uses EKG equipment, intravenous pumps, blood pressure equipment and related routine equipment to maintain continuous patient care and/or perform life savings techniques (CPR) to patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures.

• Maintains own radiation protection in accordance with regulations. Reports all potential or actual patient/equipment problems to the supervisor.
• Assists the diagnostic and interventional cardiologist in establishing and maintaining percutaneous vascular access, manage intra-vascular sheaths, guide wires and catheters. Manages radiographic contrast and the collection of angiographic data. Assists interventional cardiologist during percutaneous coronary intervention. Manages vascular site and discontinuation of sheaths per cath lab policy and procedures.
• Prepares contrast material for administration by the physician. Utilizes pressure injector and selects proper parameters to insure adequate opacification of prescribed anatomy. Loads injector with contrast material, maintaining integrity of sterile syringes, quick fill tube and nozzle. Inspects injector syringe insuring that it is free of air or other embolic material.
• Cleans and disinfects radiographic equipment. Performs minor maintenance and quality control procedures on equipment. Maintains supplies needed on a daily basis by restocking according to inventory lists in each procedure room. Documents all equipment problems in maintenance repair log.
• Prepares trays for various access sites to include but not limited to femoral, radial, and internal jugular. Completes records accurately, logbook and procedural event log.
• Completes records accurately, including billing, logbook and procedural event log.
• Assists receptionist and other support staff with routine office duties, as needed. Answers telephone and assists or directs caller.
• Performs in unit charge role; coaches new charge members.
• Coacher Cath Lab team member on technical aspects of the department to include competencies, percepts and presentations to various audiences.
• Leads in the development of Performance Improvement, or Evidence Based Practice, or research at the unit level.