Cardiac Cath Lab Patient Information
Cardiac catheterizations are done for two reasons: 1) as a diagnostic procedure to determine the condition of the coronary arteries, heart valves and/or heart muscle and/or 2) as an emergency treatment for patients experiencing a heart attack. During a cardiac catheterization, the cardiologist inserts a long, thin flexible tube (catheter) through a blood vessel (usually in your groin) and then guides the catheter to your heart. During the procedure the cardiologist gathers important information about the coronary arteries and heart function. If the physician feels it is necessary and the patient’s consent has been obtained, further interventions can be done to treat some abnormalities; for example, a blocked artery. These interventions include balloon angioplasty and stent placement.
Electrophysiology, another type of care provided in the Cardiac Cath Lab, is used to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms. Sometimes these abnormal heart rhythms require the implantation of a special device by a physician specially trained in electrophysiology to determine the reason for the rhythm disturbance. If necessary, further interventions can be implemented during the cardiac catheterization to improve the rhythm of the heart. These interventions include pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD). Patients with ICDs may also need periodic testing to evaluate the function of their ICD and/or the effectiveness of medications taken to maintain healthy heart rhythms.
To prepare for these special cardiac tests, you may not have food or drink after midnight the night before your procedure. If you are so instructed by your physician, you may take your medications as you normally would the morning of your test, but only with a small sip of water. If your test is in the afternoon, you may only drink clear liquids in the morning. No eating or drinking is allowed 6 hours before the procedure.
On the day of your procedure, you will be brought to the Cath Lab on a cart by staff from the Day Surgery Area. You may be given medication through your IV to relax you. When your procedure is done you will stay for a recovery period and then your physician will decide whether you may go home the same day or if you need to stay overnight in the hospital. Before you leave the hospital you will be given discharge instructions related to your procedure.
