Heart Catheterization Procedures

By its very nature, cardiac catheterization offers unique opportunities for the cardiologist to correct heart abnormalities at the site of the problem. The preparation a patient undergoes for an interventional heart cath procedure is essentially the same as for a diagnostic procedure. Generally speaking, you will be asked to abstain from eating and drinking anything after midnight prior to the procedure. The same routine blood tests, ECG, and chest x-rays that are performed for any routine hospital admission are done prior to the procedure. The area of your arm or leg where the catheter will be placed is prepped and shaved. An IV will be started to allow the cath lab team to administer fluids and medications intravenously. Before the procedure, you will receive medication to help you relax.

We perform the following heart catheterization procedures:

• Cardiac Angiography (Diagnostic Heart Cath)
• Coronary Stents
• Balloon Angioplasty
• Rotablator Procedures
• Intravascular Ultrasound

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.