Echo Procedures
Determines and instructs patient in proper preparation for exam; explains examination process and procedure to patient; positions patient for each examination to maximize effectiveness of image and minimize patient discomfort; adjusts equipment controls; modifies each study during the exam to demonstrate the anatomy, physiology, hemodynamics and/or pathology accurately; determines need for additional views depending on patient variables or demonstrated pathology; manipulates transthoracic transducer by hand over diagnostic area in order to image cardiac structures and visualize hemodynamic flow patterns as necessary; selects appropriate scan based on significant functional and/or anatomical pathology; records representative images for review by Cardiologist. Performs transthoracic echocardiography studies on premature and micro-premature infants on high frequency ventilators; performs fetal echocardiograms on multiple gestation pregnancies.
Provides coverage to other hospitals; provides on-call coverage for OHSU/Doernbecher; provides transthoracic echocardiography on outreach pediatric patients throughout Oregon. During certain invasive procedures, gives physician measurements, estimations, angles, and guidance. (These invasive procedures may include but not limited to; pericardial centesis, balloon atrial septostomy, blade atrial septostomy, balloon valvuloplasty, alcohol myocardial ablation, and endomyocardial biopsy). Assists physician in the application of intra vascular ultrasound in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.
Utilizes myocardial and atrial/ventricular contrast agents to visualize cardiac structures and disease. Performs stress echocardiography on pediatric and adult patients utilizing ultrasound, microcomputers and contrast agents while patients exercise on treadmills, supine and upright bicycles.
Performs transesophageal echocardiography during cardiac surgery to include: manipulation of the transesophageal probe to image the heart pre and post cardiac surgery; gives Cardiac Surgeon diagnostic information regarding the intra operative transesophageal exam; determines appropriate phase of cardiopulmonary bypass to assess the cardiac surgery; utilizes anesthesia pressure monitors and cardiopulmonary perfusion numbers to assist in cardiac evaluation; utilizes telephone during transesophageal scan to consult with Cardiologist regarding findings in the operating room. Assists the physician during conscious sedation of pediatric and adult patients to include: confirming NPO status, monitoring patient during procedure, recovering patient, charting medications given, and procuring and maintenance of drug stock levels.2.
Records and Reports
Schedules patients from phone or written physicians request; obtains clinical data from patient chart or referring physician; arranges analog or digital images or hard copies of exam findings in logical sequence for patient's permanent medical record; maintains patient files (e.g., records patient identification and corresponding examination procedures); verbally reports summary of patient's medical history and pertinent exam findings to Cardiologist. Verbally reports echocardiographic findings to Cardiac Surgeon during open-heart surgery.
Miscellaneous
Demonstrates echocardiography techniques and principles to assist students and Cardiology Fellows in performing the echocardiography exam; processes images on video tape and in digital format; performs routine cleaning and adjustments on machines and reports any mechanical failures to supervisor; utilizes hazardous cleaning/sanitizing chemicals for esophageal probe; utilizes computer/ultrasound machine data for additional analysis; performs periodic quality control tests to ensure proper operation of equipment; keeps abreast of new techniques and technological changes by attending workshops and seminars. Follows and utilizes research protocols.
