Per Diem-Angioplasty Specialist

Associate Degree in Applied Science

One (1) to two (2) years of experience in an active cardiac catheterization laboratory or equivalent.

Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist or Cardiovascular Technologist

Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) - Preferred

Thorough knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, and hemodynamics, as well as cardiovascular equipment and supplies.

Working knowledge of formulary used to calculate gradients, shunts, and cardiac outputs.

Ability to recognize life-threatening arrhythmias under all monitoring situations.

Ability to recognize intra-cardiac electrocardiogram and measure intervals.

Good verbal and written communication skills for maintaining logs, records, and quality assurance.

Operates radiologic fluoroscopy equipment to allow the medical team to appropriately visualize images during the procedure.

Assists or performs testing such as electrocardiograms (ECG), IVUS echocardiograms.

PeformIntracoronary Pressure Wire, Drug exercise challenges, and the administration of Dynamic Electrocardiograph (Holter) analysis.

Monitors cardiac rhythms and is able to recognize abnormal and life threatening rhythms.

Performs other monitoring procedures such as oximetry, blood pressure, arterial monitoring, intracardiac monitoring and is able to recognize abnormal readings.

Performs patient care procedures such as applying dressings, and collection of specimens or blood samples for analysis.

Prepares catheters, guide wires, transducers, angioplasty balloons, stents, and manifold assembly.

Operates angiographic pressure injector to control the rate of pressure development and limits the onset of ejection in order to minimize ventricular irritability during the procedure.

Functions in the non-sterile, role (circulator) by preparing the vascular access site on the patient, positioning the patient, operating the electric exam table and radiologic equipment, opening sterile supplies and monitoring patient physiologic response to the procedure.

During cardiac arrest, operates the defibrillator and initiates Cardio Pulmonary Rrescucitation in order to restore the patient to a normal cardiac rhythm.

Sets up Procedure Suite ensuring sterile supplies and other required equipment are carefully selected and properly presented as determined by the procedure being performed.

Sets up x-ray machines, computers, performs quality checks to ensure readiness for use during the procedure. Sets up the GE x-ray diagnostic system (fluoro) so that appropriate views of cardiac anatomy can be obtained and recorded for analysis. Performs check of lead shielding equipment in compliance with National Standards (JCAHO, OSHA).

Prepares the various computer software and peripheral devices (disk and magnetic tape drives and video formatters) to quantitate coronary lesions and to generate ventricular analysis reports, cardiac output (thermodilution, Fick determinations). Maintains logs of patient data and library of videotapes and hardcopy tracings.

Performs daily calibration of equipment. Prepares physiologic monitoring equipment such as ECG, Oximetry, IABP, balloon catheters, code cart, Intravascular ultrasound, Fick cardiac output device, Therapeutic Pressure wire, defibrillator and various other complex equipment.

Performs quality checks for various lab analysis equipment such as blood gas, coagulation studies that are used throughout the procedure. Ensures that emergency medication is available in the suite, performing quality checks to verify outdates and competency of like containers to ensure sterility and correct medication dosage. Performs quality assessment of the 35mm cine film processor, on a daily basis, validating sensitometer exposures and ensuring correct parameters are used.

Recognizes and provides for the psychosocial needs of patients and their families. Explains procedures to patient to reduce anxieties and gain cooperation.

Provides reports, keeps records. Reviews test results with the interpreting physician.

Uses Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) for scheduling info., patient exam notes and results, etc. Personal Computer Network for access/input to Department files and information; computerized e-mail systems and internal Internet page. Is able to use other simple computer based data entry forms for recording preliminary data from each recorded examination.

Performs simple preventive maintenance of the equipment and coordinates emergency and preventive service with Biomedical Engineering and outside service companies.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

RCIS certificate