Charting The Flow

The patient's thigh was swollen, red, painful and warm to the touch. The doctor suspected a blood clot in the deep vein of the leg. If a piece of the clot broke off, it could be carried into the patient's lungs, causing serious damage or even death.

The diagnosis was confirmed by an ultrasound evaluation of the circulation in the leg, and the patient received appropriate treatment.

"It's gratifying to assist with a diagnosis that helps a patient," says Nikki Sohanaki, supervisor of the vascular laboratory at Park Nicollet's Heart and Vascular Center.

Taking pride in work

Vascular technologists, also known as vascular sonographers, use sonography or ultrasound to help physicians diagnose disorders - such as blood clots - that affect blood circulation. This form of imaging uses high frequency sound waves to look inside the body for evidence of disease.

The sound waves bounce off structures inside the body. Technologists see a live, moving image on screen and then decide which frames to record for the doctor. "It's a very operator-dependent job," Sohanaki explains. "We take great pride in our work because physicians depend on our judgment."

Independence and teamwork

Although technologists have a great deal of autonomy, they also work collaboratively. "If we find something unusual or have questions, we always consult with other members of the team," Sohanaki says. "You have to be willing to ask for help."

A rewarding job

Because the field is constantly changing, there's always something new to learn. For example, Sohanaki and her staff gather monthly for a "journal club." But instead of discussing a bestseller, they share insights about recent studies that have appeared in professional journals.

Another rewarding aspect of the job is the interaction with patients. "Since many return for regular follow-up, we really get to know them," Sohanaki says. "Those relationships are a very satisfying aspect of our work."

Greater demand for generalists

Nancy Giguere is a freelance writer from St. Paul who has written about healthcare since 1995.