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6th June 2025
Meet Aisling Reder - Cardiac Catheterisation Lab Clinical Specialist Radiographer
Aisling Reder is a Clinical Specialist Radiographer in the Cardiac Catheterisation (Cath) Lab at Mater Private Network in Dublin. After qualifying as a diagnostic radiographer in 2017, she spent four years working in a major trauma centre in the NHS. Upon returning to Ireland, she joined Mater Private Network as a senior radiographer and, for the past three years, has held her current specialist role.
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Can you please describe your role as a Clinical Specialist Radiographer?
As a clinical specialist radiographer, I work alongside a skilled team that includes cardiologists, cardiac physiologists, and nurses. Together, we carry out a wide range of heart procedures. These include diagnostic procedures like coronary angiograms, as well as interventions such as angioplasty and stent insertion. We are also involved in more complex cases like valve replacements and device insertions.
My role involves not only supporting and carrying out these procedures but also leading our team of radiographers and providing training to new colleagues. While my responsibilities are broad, my focus is on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the heart’s blood supply.
The heart pumps blood throughout the body, but it also needs its own supply of oxygen-rich blood. This comes from the coronary arteries. We use a type of X-ray imaging, called fluoroscopy, to see inside these arteries. By injecting a contrast dye, we can clearly view any narrowing or blockages.
If a narrowing is found, often due to a build-up of plaque, we can use a small balloon to widen the artery. This helps restore normal blood flow. In some cases, we also place a small mesh tube called a stent to keep the artery open over time.
Patients usually meet me just before their procedure begins, and I’ll be in the cath lab throughout, working to make sure everything runs smoothly and safely.
In what way has your experience at Mater Private been different compared to working in the UK?
Working in the NHS gave me valuable experience in both general radiology and cardiac imaging. However, the cath lab at Mater Private Network is extremely advanced in terms of equipment and technology. This allows us to deliver highly accurate diagnoses and carry out complex procedures with excellent outcomes.
What do you enjoy the most about your role?
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing the immediate impact our work can have. For example, when a patient comes in with chest pain or shortness of breath, we can often quickly identify a blockage using an angiogram. It is incredibly satisfying to watch their blood flow return to normal and to hear patients say they already feel better before they even leave the hospital.
I also enjoy the variety in my role - balancing clinical work with team management and training. Watching new radiographers gain confidence and grow into the role is very fulfilling. I value working as part of a multidisciplinary team and constantly learn from my colleagues, especially the cardiac physiologists and nurses.
If you could tell people one thing about being a radiographer, what would it be?
Radiography is a fascinating and rewarding career. It combines knowledge of anatomy, physics, and medical imaging with direct patient care. It is a unique role that lets you be part of important moments in a patient's health journey.
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