Cardiology Services - Cardiac Catheterization Lab

Cardiac Catheterization Lab

This procedure is performed by a cardiologist by accessing the arterial system with small catheters and injecting dye in the coronary arteries to visualize for plaque build-up. A cardiac catheterization, also called a “cardiac cath,” is a minimally invasive procedure performed on inpatients and outpatients.

Why is this procedure performed?

This procedure is performed to diagnose the patient and then give information to the physician to better treat the symptoms. The information will be used to evaluate heart valves and arteries, heart function, heart abnormalities and lung function.

The physician may schedule this procedure if you have experienced one or more episodes of cardiac symptoms, such as, but not limited to:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Previous history of heart problems
• Strong family history of heart problems

The procedure can also be performed in preparation for other major surgeries.

Cardiac catheterization is used to detect and evaluate the following:

• Coronary Heart Disease – the arteries of the heart can have plaque build-up and can cause decreased oxygenation to the heart muscle.
• Valvular Heart Disease – any of the three valves between the chambers of the heart may be weak and dysfunctional for many reasons.
• Congestive Heart Failure – the heart has become weak and inefficient in its pumping function for various reasons.
• Congenital Heart Disease – a defect of the heart that you are born with.
• Pulmonary Disease – including COPD, asthma, bronchitis or asthma that causes the lungs not to work effectively.

The results will vary with each patient. The results obtained will give your physician valuable information to establish a treatment plan that is best for you.

How do I prepare?

A consent form will need to be signed after the doctor explains the procedure and relays the benefits and risks. Pre-procedure tests will be ordered and may be obtained before admission to the department. All food and drink will be held after midnight of the day of the procedure. Outpatients will be called and an interview and medical history will be obtained prior to the procedure.

How is this procedure performed?

The patient is given a mild sedative prior to the test to help with relaxation, anxiety and any minor discomfort that many be felt. The physician will then obtain access of an artery in either the femoral artery in the groin or the brachial artery in the arm. An IV catheter is placed in the artery and catheters will be advanced through the IV to the coronary arteries and the left ventricle chamber of the heart.

With fluoroscopy, immediate visualization of the anatomy is observed on a monitor or computer screen. These images are permanent and can be viewed by the physician after the procedure. The images can be seen by using an iodine-based contrast. If you are allergic to iodine, shellfish or IV dye, please let your physician and healthcare personnel know and you will be treated with an anti-allergy medicated before the procedure.

Once in the arterial system, blockages can be determined, value function can be evaluated and the pumping efficiency of the left ventricle will be determined.

This procedure can be performed on the right side of the heart by accessing the venous system in the groin or arm. Blood can be collected and pressures are determined to obtain the function of the right side of the circulatory system and the pulmonary system.

Additional Cath Lab Procedures

The cardiac catheterization lab is also the place patients receive pacemakers and internal cardiac defibrillators, as well as stents placed in the kidney and peripheral arteries.

A pacemaker is a device implanted between the muscle and fatty tissue in the chest to control the electrical system of the heart. Patients with a very slow heart rate or improper rhythm may receive this device.

Patients with rhythm problems or congestive heart failure may also have the need for the implantation of an internal cardiac defibrillator. This device will control the rhythm of the heart and can also shock the heart out of a life-threatening rhythm.

Peripheral vascular disease is a diagnosis that may warrant a patient to receive stents to open blockages from plaque build-up in the arteries that feed the kidneys or the legs.

What is the recovery time?

Directly after the procedure, all patients go to the post-anesthesia care unit. The physician may use a closure device to seal the artery after the procedure. This drastically decreases the time you are confined to bed rest. If a closure devise was able to be used, you will need to spend two hours laying flat with your head elevated slightly. Outpatients typically go home within three hours after the procedure. Activity is limited for at least five days after the procedure. Lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk is prohibited for at least five days after the procedure. Showering is allowed five days after the procedure, and a follow-up visit to your physician may be ordered. Dismissal from work is made on an individual basis.

The Cardiac Catheterization Lab at PCRMC serves many populations of our community. If the need arises for you to be a patient with us, rest assured our cardiology services “puts your heart in our hands.”