Immediate impact of radiologic technologists in interventional cardiology – single-center experience

    Authors

    Keywords

    radiologic technologist, radiation, protection

    DOI

    https://doi.org/10.15836/ccar2020.64

    Full Text

    Introduction : Although radiologic technologists have many responsibilities in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, the most important responsibility is to perform invasive cardiac surgery using radiological equipment in a safe manner, both for staff and for the patient. Very often, in addition to working with radiological equipment, radiologic technologists must have specific knowledge of specific interventional procedures in invasive. In order to monitor the complexity of today’s procedures and actively participate in an invasive team, ongoing and specific education is essential. The job of a radiologic technologist in the cardiology intervention room consists of a series of tasks such as: knowledge of the complexity of radiation protection, knowledge of heart anatomy, physiology, hemodynamics and all the technical capabilities of devices used in invasive cardiac methods. At the catheterization laboratory, radiologic technologists participate in preparing the patient for the procedure, which includes checking patient data, taking anamnestic data related to the procedure, placing the patient on the table, monitoring vital functions, etc. ( 1 ) The paper presents the experience of University Hospital Center „Sestre milosrdnice“, whereby after the establishment of the Clinic for Cardiovascular Diseases, the team settings at the Department of Invasive and Interventional Cardiology were changed. In earlier periods, practically from the moment the laboratory started with work, the radiological device was operated traditionally and habitually, but also due to a lack of staff, by invasive cardiologists and/or perioperative nurses. Goal: To compare radiation exposure before and after changes in team settings, and to determine the immediate impact of the work of radiologic technologists in the invasive cardiology laboratory. Conclusion : Radiologic technologists who directly control radiological equipment and accurately follow the instructions of the operator (interventional cardiologist), by standardizing procedures, can significantly affect the safety of the patient and team in the invasive laboratory.

    Cardiologia Croatica
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    Immediate impact of radiologic technologists in interventional cardiology – single-center experience

    Extended Abstract
    Issue3-4
    Published
    Pages64
    PDF via DOIhttps://doi.org/10.15836/ccar2020.64
    radiologic technologist
    radiation
    protection

    Authors

    Mario Josipović*ORCIDUniversity Hospital Centre „Sestre milosrdnice“, Zagreb, Croatia
    Ivan HorvatORCIDUniversity Hospital Centre „Sestre milosrdnice“, Zagreb, Croatia
    Matea PodvorecORCIDUniversity Hospital Centre „Sestre milosrdnice“, Zagreb, Croatia
    Lucija LovrekovićORCIDUniversity Hospital Centre „Sestre milosrdnice“, Zagreb, Croatia
    Jadranka DaskijevićORCIDUniversity Hospital Centre „Sestre milosrdnice“, Zagreb, Croatia
    Ivica BenkoORCIDUniversity Hospital Centre „Sestre milosrdnice“, Zagreb, Croatia

    Full Text

    Introduction : Although radiologic technologists have many responsibilities in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, the most important responsibility is to perform invasive cardiac surgery using radiological equipment in a safe manner, both for staff and for the patient. Very often, in addition to working with radiological equipment, radiologic technologists must have specific knowledge of specific interventional procedures in invasive. In order to monitor the complexity of today’s procedures and actively participate in an invasive team, ongoing and specific education is essential. The job of a radiologic technologist in the cardiology intervention room consists of a series of tasks such as: knowledge of the complexity of radiation protection, knowledge of heart anatomy, physiology, hemodynamics and all the technical capabilities of devices used in invasive cardiac methods. At the catheterization laboratory, radiologic technologists participate in preparing the patient for the procedure, which includes checking patient data, taking anamnestic data related to the procedure, placing the patient on the table, monitoring vital functions, etc. ( 1 ) The paper presents the experience of University Hospital Center „Sestre milosrdnice“, whereby after the establishment of the Clinic for Cardiovascular Diseases, the team settings at the Department of Invasive and Interventional Cardiology were changed. In earlier periods, practically from the moment the laboratory started with work, the radiological device was operated traditionally and habitually, but also due to a lack of staff, by invasive cardiologists and/or perioperative nurses. Goal: To compare radiation exposure before and after changes in team settings, and to determine the immediate impact of the work of radiologic technologists in the invasive cardiology laboratory. Conclusion : Radiologic technologists who directly control radiological equipment and accurately follow the instructions of the operator (interventional cardiologist), by standardizing procedures, can significantly affect the safety of the patient and team in the invasive laboratory.