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Introduction: Although radiologic technologists have many responsibilities in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, the most important responsibility is to perform invasive cardiac surgery using radiological equipment in a safe manner, both for staff and for the patient. Very often, in addition to working with radiological equipment, radiologic technologists must have specific knowledge of specific interventional procedures in invasive. In order to monitor the complexity of today’s procedures and actively participate in an invasive team, ongoing and specific education is essential. The job of a radiologic technologist in the cardiology intervention room consists of a series of tasks such as: knowledge of the complexity of radiation protection, knowledge of heart anatomy, physiology, hemodynamics and all the technical capabilities of devices used in invasive cardiac methods. At the catheterization laboratory, radiologic technologists participate in preparing the patient for the procedure, which includes checking patient data, taking anamnestic data related to the procedure, placing the patient on the table, monitoring vital functions, etc.1 The paper presents the experience of University Hospital Center „Sestre milosrdnice“, whereby after the establishment of the Clinic for Cardiovascular Diseases, the team settings at the Department of Invasive and Interventional Cardiology were changed. In earlier periods, practically from the moment the laboratory started with work, the radiological device was operated traditionally and habitually, but also due to a lack of staff, by invasive cardiologists and/ or perioperative nurses. Goal: To compare radiation exposure before and after changes in team settings, and to determine the immediate impact of the work of radiologic technologists in the invasive cardiology laboratory. Conclusion: Radiologic technologists who directly control radiological equipment and accurately follow the instructions of the operator (interventional cardiologist), by standardizing procedures, can significantly affect the safety of the patient and team in the invasive laboratory.

Croatian Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Network, founded in 2005, is an internationally recognized system of well-organized urgent treatment of cardiology patients.1 The project Croatian Interventional Treatment Network for Acute Myocardial Infarction is one of the most significant achievements in the field of contemporary cardiology in Croatia, but also in the field of medicine in general. Thousands of lives have been saved thanks to a network of heart attack interventions. The transfer of patients to another facility is arranged between the cardiologists on duty at both institutions. The patient is transported by ambulance accompanied by physician and a nurse/technician. Emergencies pose a specific challenge for the nurse/technician, where it is necessary to anticipate which complications can be avoided by good organization. In these emergencies, patients should be well prepared for the invasive and therapeutic procedure, as this results in a timely and effective revascularization of the lesion that caused the acute myocardial infarction. Health care of the patient, its prior continuity, as well as care during and after the procedure is extremely important for the patient’s recovery. The mental preparation of the patient reduces the level of fear and concern, and thus facilitates the intervention of team members. The information given to the patient must be understandable, detailed and simple. In the case of the physical preparation of patients, oral and parenteral therapy is required in addition to laboratory tests, according to the physician’s instructions and general condition of the patient, as well as mandatory informed consent to perform the examination which the patient must sign if capable. It is recommended to place two vein pathways, preferably cubital, to remove hair from both groin and wrists, to remove the denture if the patient has it, to remove all jewelry, glasses, lenses, nail polish, to relieve the patient of unnecessary clothing and footwear and to warm the patient. All team members work for the best possible outcome. Such a difficult and lifethreatening condition requires immediate and instant interventions, as any delay lowers the chances of ultimate success of the procedure.