Cardiac Catheterization

What other terms are used to describe cardiac catheterization?

This procedure is non-surgical and is performed under X-ray guidance in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
A catheter (a long, thin, flexible tube) is inserted through an artery (blood vessel) in the leg up to the heart. Occasionally, an artery in the arm is used.
X-ray pictures are taken of the heart and coronary arteries.
A small area of the groin or arm is shaved and cleansed where the catheter will be inserted.
Medication is used to anesthetize (numb) the area where the catheter will be inserted.
The catheter is inserted through the femoral artery in the groin (or an artery in the arm at the crease of the elbow). Xray is used to guide the catheter up into the heart.
A colorless dye is injected through the catheter, and X-ray pictures are taken of the heart and coronary arteries (blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrition).
You will be give a mild sedative to help you relax, but you will remain awake during the procedure so you can answer questions regarding your comfort, any chest pain or shortness of breath. You may watch the procedure on the monitor if you wish.
The test takes about one hour.

This test will help the doctor to evaluate your cardiac condition related to:

How well the heart muscle and valves are working.
The extent of damage to the heart after a heart attack
Which, if any, coronary arteries are narrowed.
The extent and degree of the narrowing.
What treatment, if any, is required (medical management, angioplasty (PTCA), Stent or surgery.

Slight burning or stinging from the medicine used to numb the area where the catheter is inserted.
Slight discomfort or pressure as the catheter is being inserted.
Slight nausea, extra heartbeats, and/or a warm flushing throughout the body (10 to 20 seconds) as the dye is being injected.

At the completion of the procedure, the catheter is removed.
Firm pressure will be applied for 15 to 30 minutes on the area where the catheter was inserted to stop bleeding.
A small bandage or pressure dressing will be placed over the area where the catheter was inserted.
You will be observed in the hospital for 4 to 6 hours before discharged to your home.
The insertion site will be checked frequently for signs of bleeding.
Your blood pressure and the pulse in the leg will be checked frequently.
A lump under the skin where the catheter was inserted may occur. This is temporary.
Bruising to the leg/groin area may occur where the catheter was inserted. This is temporary.
Most patients are discharged in 4 to 6 hours with minimal activity restrictions.

Avoid bending the leg at the hip for 6 to 8 hours.
If you need to cough or sneeze, hold your fingers firmly over the puncture site, if you need to cough or sneeze.
Avoid climbing stairs, heavy lifting and driving for at least 48 to 72 hours after you return home.

Discomfort or sudden sharp pain at the insertion site.
A warm, moist and sticky feeling or bleeding at the insertion site.
Any discomfort in the chest, neck, jaw, arms or upper back, shortness of breath, weakness or dizziness.

Have nothing to eat or drink after midnight.
It is important for you to ask the doctor the following:
- How to adjust insulin and food intake prior to the test if you are diabetic.
- Wheather you should take your regular medications the morning of the test.
- If you take "blood thinners" (i.e. Coumadin), wheather they should be withheld and, if so, for how long prior to the procedure.
- Leave all valuables at home.

Make arrangements for someone to drive you home.
Be sure to inform your doctor if you are allergic to dye, iodine or shell fish.

For more information contact your healthcare provider or email cardiology@highlinemedical.org.