Recent
innovations in medical technology have resulted in revolutionary surgical techniques,
drugs, treatments, devices, diagnostic methods, disease prevention methods and
health information systems. As a result of this technological explosion, new
occupations requiring special technical training and knowledge have been created.
In this section you will learn about cardiovascular technicians who perform diagnostic examinations on the heart and blood vessels; cardiopulmonary technologists who also perform diagnostic exams of the heart as well as performing pulmonary tests of lung function; electroneurodiagnostic technologists who record the patient's nervous system function including the electrical activity of the brain; electrocardiograph technicians who operate machines which record graphic tracings of electrical impulses transmitted by the heart muscle; perfusionists who are members of the open heart surgical team; surgical technologists who work in the operating room; and emergency medical personnel who are often the first on the scene in accidents and disasters to provide emergency care and transport the patients. All of these occupations are important and their services are in increasing demand in the delivery of health care.
