Invasive Cardiovascular Technologists work in cardiac catheterization laboratories, open heart surgical suites and cardiac research facilities. They assist the cardiologist or cardiac surgeon in performing diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization and angiography procedures, measuring cardiovascular parameters such as cardiac output, blood flow velocity, cardiovascular dynamics, cardiac electrophysiology parameters, intracardiac shunt detection, valve flow/valve area determinations, intracardiac pressure measurements, oximetry determination, cineangiocardiography, and the measurement and calculation of cardiac function indices. The technologist assists in all phases of catheterization procedure including insertion of the catheter, operation of various electronic instruments and calculation of hemodynamic data. These data are then used by the physician in confirming diagnosis and designing treatment.

Noninvasive Cardiovascular Technologists prepare, calibrate and operate medical instrumentation utilized in the Noninvasive laboratory including recording and analyzing noninvasive cardiovascular data from M-Mode, 2-Dimensional and Doppler, transesophageal and stress echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, exercise stress tests and ambulatory ECG monitoring. The echocardiogram combined with Doppler investigation is the most extensive noninvasive examination performed and provides visualization of the structure of the heart and evaluation of the flow dynamics associated with cardiac function. These tests are noninvasive examinations and provide information to the physician on both the anatomic structure and function of the heart.

Vascular Technologists use quantitative and qualitative noninvasive techniques to diagnose diseases of the vascular system and assess arterial obstruction in the upper and lower extremities, and the cerebrovascular system. Duplex ultrasonic imaging, impedance outflow plethysmography, strain gauge and pneumoplethysmography, and photoplethysmography techniques are utilized to evaluate venous obstruction or venous reflux. Tests include ultrasonic imaging and flow studies of the arteries and veins to detect problems in patients who are at risk for stroke, arterial occlusion, or venous disease; recording and analyzing diagnostic studies utilizing duplex ultrasonography, color-flow imaging, various forms of plethysmography, and other modalities; and preparing, calibrating, and operating medical instrumentation utilized in the Vascular Laboratory.