Chapter 7: Imaging and Diagnostics
Brandon Censon MPH, CPH, RRT-NPS, CPFT, CPT
A cardiovascular technologist also referred to as a vascular or cardiovascular technician, is a professional who works with medical imaging equipment such as ultrasound, to assess the heart for conditions that may impair its function. Conditions may include problems that have a direct impact on the valves within the heart and vessels that carry blood to and from the heart. The cardiovascular technician is often responsible for preparing the patient and necessary equipment for a given procedure. Beforehand CVT’s collect vital signs, and record a brief patient history. During a procedure they also may operate some of the equipment required. Cardiovascular technologists work very closely with physicians, as they work side-by-side with them in surgical suites during different procedures.
Disease Dissection: Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Mitral valve regurgitation is a common heart condition of the heart. The mitral valve is located on the left side of the heart, between the left atrium and left ventricle. Mitral valve regurgitation occurs when the blood from the left ventricle leaks back into the left atrium, when the left ventricles contract (Mitral Valve Regurgitation, 2023). As the blood begins to leak back into the left atrium, the pressure in the left atrium and the vessels from the lungs to the heart – also known as the pulmonary veins – then begins to rise. Overtime, the elevated pressure may lead to a patient having an excess amount of fluid build up in the lungs.
Mitral valve regurgitation often begins mild and overtime, the condition slowly progresses. Some common symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation include the following: Shortness of breath, irregular heart beat, swelling in the feet and ankles, and heart palpitations.
Treating mitral valve regurgitation may involve medications or more invasive treatment such as surgery. If the patient is experiencing severe mitral valve regurgitation, the patient may undergo a procedure where a catheter is used to either repair or replace the mitral valve, known as heart catheterization. A cardiovascular technologist prepares the sterile equipment and catheter for these kinds of procedures.
Academic Requirements and Career Pathway
The academic requirements for cardiovascular technologist include the completion of an associate’s degree that includes didactic training as well as hands-on clinical training. Upon completion of the associate’s degree program, the student may challenge the cardiovascular credentialing international (CCI) or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) exam. Students can also pursue a bachelor’s degree, this may make them more competitive and open opportunities to earn higher salaries.
The pathway for cardiovascular technologists is divided into four possible specialty areas.
- Cardiology technologists who assist physicians during catheter implant procedures.
- Echocardiography: these individuals use ultrasound equipment to evaluate a patients’ heart.
- Electrocardiography: these individuals perform cardiac stress tests, perform ekgs, and fit patients for holter monitors
- Vascular technologists specialize in assisting physicians to evaluate a patient’s blood flow and detect abnormalities.
Known as an Electrocardiogram. A device that records the electrical signals from the heart. It is often used to evaluate heart conditions.
A portable EKG device that attaches to a patient for long term cardiac monitoring while outside of a clinic.