Cardiac catheterizations are used to diagnose certain forms or heart disease, specifically (but not limited to) valve disease and coronary artery blockages.

Peripheral catheterizations are used to diagnose any blockage in the peripheral arteries.

A basic cardiac catheterization is done by inserting a soft, hollow tube (catheter) through either the groin or arm and placing it near the heart.

X-ray contrast is then injected through the catheter into the coronary artieries and an x-ray images is taken for your doctor to view.

If a blockage is found, doctors will then discuss the findings with you and your family.

In balloon angioplasty a small balloon is guided into the artery with a thin wire.

Doctors then inflate the balloon to compress the plaque against the artery walls.

Depending on the result of the angioplasty,doctors then can insert a stent at the site.

A stent is a small tubular device that helps keep the artery open by "scaffolding" the blockage.

The lab also can do atherectomy by either shaving or burrowing the site depending on the patient's needs.

Before and after a procedure, doctors can use a small catheter to look inside the artery to either determine the composition of a blockage or the outcome of a procedure.

This is called intracoronary ultrasound.

These treatments are done through the same catheter and take from 30 minutes to an hour.

Most patients recover within a few hours,and depending on the procedure, may be discharged the same day.

Where are the Cardiac Cath and Peripheral Vascular Labs?
Our labs are located on the second floor to the left of the three main hospital elevators.

How long does the procedure take?

• Routine cardiac catheterization takes 30 minutes.
• Routine angioplasty takes 60 minutes.
• Routine peripheral procedures take 90 minutes.

Will I be asleep for the procedure?
Patients are given "conscious sedation." This means you receive IV medication that makes you sleepy. You will not receive general anesthesia.

Can I get out of bed after the procedure?
This depends on how your physician chooses to "seal" your entrance site. If we use a sealing device you can get out of bed in two to four hours. Remember, when you are sedated you should remain in bed until you are fully awake.

After the procedure, when can I eat?
Usually patients start eating moderate amounts of food one to two hours after their procedure.

Will the doctor use my arm or groin to do the procedure?
The physician will use your groin about 90 percent of the time. About 10 percent of the time the physician will use your arm. This is usually done by physician preference.

When will I resume my normal activities after I go home?
This is up to your physician. After a routine cardiac cath patients usually return to normal activities within three days. Patients return to normal activities within five days following a routine angioplasty.

How big of an incision do you make? Will it hurt?
We don't make an incision, but the entrance site is the size of a round pencil eraser. The procedure itself does not hurt; however, you briefly may feel a slight chest discomfort during an angioplasty.

What is beta radiation?
Beta radiation is used when a blockage comes back in a previously "stented" coronary artery. This is also done in the cardiac cath lab and is extremely safe.

What is a drug eluting stent and when will it be available?
This is a new stent with a medicated coating. The purpose of this stent is to decrease the chance of the stent blocking up.  They are currently available and your doctor will decide (should you need angioplasty) if it appropriate to use.