Artificial Heart Biomedical Technician, Procirca

Artificial Heart Biomed Tech

UPMC Procirca is looking for a casual Artificial Heart Biomed Tech to join their dedicated team!

Under the general direction of the Artificial Heart Clinical Director (AHCD) and according to established standards and procedures, will assist senior staff with monitoring, preventive maintenance and transport of patients supported by mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems utilized at The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. These primary systems include the Arrow intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), and Cardiac Assist Inc., TandemHeart VAD. In addition, Technicians will support senior engineers with Heartware LVAD, Jarvik LVAD, Abiomed Impella 2.5 & 5.0, Evaheart LVAD, Heartmate XVE LVAD, Thoratec PVAD, Thoratec IVAD, Levitronix VAD, Ventrassist LVAD, and Heartmate II LVAD technologies. Incumbent will be involved in the monitoring of MCS patients at all on-site locations, including the ICU, Cath Lab, patient wards, physical therapy. Will assist M.D.s, nurses, and senior level biomedical engineers by providing technical support in the set up, operation, and emergency operation of such equipment. Will also assist in clinical studies to be performed on MCS patients by obtaining clinical data and entering same into a clinical database.

This is a casual status position, working primarily evenings, nights and weekends. The ideal candidate will have a BS degree in Engineering or working toward their degree in Engineering or related field.

Responsibilities:

• Follow established procedures and policies including hospital, safety and universal precautions and learns new procedures as required.
• Perform supply inventory and assist in unpacking and verifying of incoming supplies.
• Accompany MCS patients and approved caregiver or senior engineer to clinical tests or off-site location while monitoring device operation and acting as a technical liaison. Incumbent will independently manage IABP technology under direction of senior staff that is in-house.
• Monitor MCS patients in all off-site (out of hospital and community hospital) locations and make proper decisions pending communication with senior staff.
• Establish schedules and protocols as defined by the AHCD and in conformance with various system requirements, inspect, test, calibrate and perform preventive maintenance on MCS equipment, insure documentation on all such activities and attend device training sessions provided by senior staff or component manufacturer.
• Assist in data acquisition and entry of mechanical circulatory support drive parameters and lab results into database.
• Maintain communications with medical and engineering staff regarding patient condition and device operation.
• Support the service-oriented commitment of the organization.
• Repair inoperative and malfunctioning equipment as expeditiously as possible under emergency situations.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• High school graduate or equivalent is required
• 1-2 years toward college degree or current enrollment in an undergraduate engineering major is preferred.
• May in the course of duties be in rooms where medications are stored. No contact with the medications is allowed.
• UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran