Cardiovascular technologist

Technicians who use ultrasound to examine the heart chambers, valves, and vessels are referred to as cardiac sonographers.

Cardiac sonographers also may assist transesophageal echocardiography, which involves placing a tube in the patient's esophagus to obtain ultrasound images.

This test is done before most kinds of surgery or as part of a routine physical examination, especially on persons who have reached middle age or who have a history of cardiovascular problems.

Following 24 or more hours of normal activity by the patient, the technician removes a tape from the monitor and places it in a scanner.

After checking the quality of the recorded impulses on an electronic screen, the technician usually prints the information from the tape for analysis by a physician.