| [ Summary ] |
During cardiac catheterization, ME technicians are responsible for monitoring chest and limb leads, observing changes in EKG output, and measuring intracardiac pressure and cardiac output. If problems in heart function arise during testing, the technicians also operate devices such as pacemakers, IABPs, and defibrillators. For open-heart surgery, ME technicians increase the number of preoperative hemodialysis procedures and maintain dry weight. A heart-lung machine, incorporating a hemocatharsis circuit, is used during surgery to eliminate water, while the level of potassium is reduced below 3.5mEq/l by hemodialysis (HD) or hemodiafiltration (HDF). During the twenty four hour period after surgery, dialysis is generally not performed, due to the risk of hemorrhage; however, dialysis may be required if conditions such as pulmonary edema or hyperpotassemia are con firmed. |