Patient Health InfoCardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is one of the most valuable diagnostic tests available for viewing the condition of your heart. Your physician will use it to analyze your heart's ability to function, as well as the condition of its valves and arteries. During the procedure a soft flexible narrow tube called a catheter will be placed into a blood vessel which is utilized as an avenue to the heart. Your physician may perform a variety of tests to better understand the nature of the heart problem and direct appropriate treatment.
Preparation
After you and your physician have discussed the procedure, you will be asked to sign a consent form. Please read it carefully and ask for clarification on any point.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure.
An intravenous needle will be placed in your arm. Blood may be drawn for use in laboratory tests. A chest x-ray and electrocardiogram will be obtained. If you have recently had these tests performed, inform your cardiologist's nurse. It may be unnecessary to repeat them.
Cardiac catheterizations are performed in a specially equipped laboratory by a carefully trained staff. Your family will wait for you in a nearby room. The procedure usually takes 20 - 40 minutes.
This procedure may be performed in our clinic cardiac catheterization laboratory or in one of several hospitals where we practice.
The Procedure
During the procedure you will be awake, but sedated. The cardiologist and catheterization lab staff will explain each step of the procedure. If you have questions at any time, please ask. You should be comfortable. If not, please inform your nurse.
The area of the insertion will be scrubbed with antiseptic soap. You will be covered with sterile sheets and the area will be numbed with a local anesthetic. You will not feel the remainder of the procedure.
A contrast solution will be injected through the catheter into the chambers of your heart or coronary arteries. You may feel a warm or hot sensation during the injection but it should last only about 30 seconds. If you experience any discomfort, please tell the physician or nurse.
Your cardiologist will view images of your heart and its arteries on nearby monitors. After the catheters are removed, firm pressure will be applied to the insertion site to help form a seal over the puncture in the artery. Several hours of observation are necessary following the procedure to allow the seal to mature.
Following the Procedure
A dressing and five-pound sandbag may be placed over the insertion site and you will be asked to lie flat for about four hours. At that time, you will be allowed to roll to your side and the sandbag can be removed.
Your IV will remain in place for most of the day and your heart rate, blood pressure and the insertion site will be monitored regularly. You will be allowed to eat and drink as soon as you feel comfortable. You will continue to receive intravenous fluids and you will be encouraged to drink fluids to help flush the contrast solution from your kidneys. A nurse will assist you when you feel ready to get out of bed. You may feel dizzy or lightheaded.
In some cases, you may be allowed to return home and resume restricted activity later the same day. In other cases, you may remain in the hospital or a nearby hotel overnight.
You may continue to have a bruise, swelling and tenderness at the insertion site. Do not lift anything over 10 pounds for a week after the procedure.