Physiological Sciences

Profile of a Clinical Vascular Scientist

The role of a Clinical Vascular Scientist is to provide a non-invasive vascular diagnostic service for a wide range of vascular disorders

Above: vascular technologist performing a Carotid colour duplex scan

Some of the terms used in this Table are explained below:

Ischaemia is a condition where not enough blood is being supplied to the tissues. It may be due to the narrowing of arteries with age or disease.

Claudication is pain occurring when walking, due to insufficient blood flow to the leg muscles. Measuring the level of blood flow can help to decide how to treat the condition.

An Aneurysm is the ballooning-out of the wall of an artery, due to its becoming weakened by age or disease.

DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) is a condition where blood clots form in veins. It may be due to lack of movement. Vascular assessment confirms whether a patient has a DVT and allows the progress of treatment to be monitored.

A Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) occurs when a small clot or other obstruction temporarily blocks blood flowing to part of the brain.

The majority of vascular investigations are performed using colour duplex ultrasound machines. These machines combine imaging and Doppler ultrasound, allowing simultaneous visualisation of blood vessels and of the way blood is flowing (haemodynamics). Other non-invasive techniques include plethysmography (detection of volume changes from blood flowing into and out of different parts of the body) or continuous-wave Doppler (detection of blood flow), for example to quantify blood flow to the legs when sitting and when exercising.

Vascular ultrasound examinations are frequently carried out as the sole investigation prior to surgical intervention. Hence non-invasive vascular diagnostic services, particularly those in the main vascular centres, often demand close collaboration with vascular surgeons.

Scope of Service Delivery
Within either university or hospitals, examinations are usually undertaken in dedicated rooms. Where required, they are also performed by the bedside in vascular and non-vascular wards, Intensive Care Units, Coronary Care Units etc. Intra-operative monitoring in theatre and/or single-visit (one-stop) clinics in out-patient departments are also provided by many vascular laboratories.

Vascular Laboratories or Vascular Studies Units are, for the large part based, in secondary care. However they are also found in the Private Sector and in Primary Care, where some screening tests lend themselves to vascular investigation, most typically aneurysm screening services for the over 65’s. Certain services, although located within Secondary Care, have direct access allowing GP’s to refer patients without going through a hospital appointment. Examples include Deep Vein Thrombosis scanning, carotid screening and nurse/clinical vascular scientist-led ulcer clinics.

Entry Requirements
Trainees entering the profession are required to have a relevant science degree.

Education and Training
Education is mostly provided in-house. In partnership with appropriate clinical placements, Post-Graduate Certificate, Post-Graduate Diploma and MSc taught courses in Medical Ultrasound are available. Accreditation is awarded by the SVT. One year’s experience provides eligibility for Basic Accreditation. After 3 years of experience, members are entitled to sit Full Accreditation examinations in order to become Accredited Vascular Scientists.

Society for Vascular Technology

The Society for Vascular Technology (SVT) of Great Britain and Ireland was formed to advance non-invasive vascular diagnostic services by promoting training and research in Vascular Technology and to disseminate the results of such research for the benefit of the public.

Background history
The Society was formed at an inaugural meeting held at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford in October 1992, with the aim of promoting and bringing together the interests of those engaged in providing vascular laboratory services. The Society now functions as the national scientific and educational society for Clinical Vascular Scientists working in Great Britain and Ireland and is a registered charity (no. 1080367).

Membership
Two forms of Membership are available: Ordinary, for those working full-time in Vascular Technology; and Associate, for those who have an interest in vascular testing but where this is not their main role. The SVT has a fairly diverse membership, incorporating Clinical Vascular Scientists, Vascular Technologists, Medical Physicists, Clinical Scientists, Clinical Physiologists, Sonographers, Radiographers, Nurses, Radiologists and Vascular Surgeons. Membership currently numbers around 350, of which over 100 have full accreditation with the Society for Vascular Technology.

Continuing Professional Development
Continuing professional development is mandatory for Accredited Vascular Scientists. The SVT run a points system whereby professional development is demonstrated through performing research, implementing new techniques, and undertaking further study to ensure knowledge is continuously updated. Accumulation of a minimum number of CPD points every three years allows maintenance of Accredited status.

Further information

Visit the Society for Vascular Technology's website at http://www.svtgbi.org.uk