SSM DePaul Health Center has two cardiac catheterization labs conveniently located on the main floor of the hospital.
What is Cardiac Catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic procedure that helps diagnose heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, defective heart valves, or congenital heart defects. It also provides important information about the heart's pumping function. The procedure is a special x-ray test used to look at the arteries and chambers of the heart; it is not surgery.
What happens during the procedure?
You will be awake during the procedure, which typically takes less than one hour. If you have a balloon angioplasty or other procedure, more time will be required.
A local anesthesia is injected and a small tube, or sheath, is inserted into the artery in your arm or leg. You may feel a little pressure.
The procedure begins when the physician inserts a thin, flexible tube (called a catheter) through the sheath into the artery. The catheter is passed toward your heart. As this is done, the doctor and the technicians check the TV monitors to follow the catheter's movement to the heart.
Then a dye is injected through the catheter. This helps the physician to pinpoint where the problem with your coronary arteries might be. When the procedure is complete, the physician will remove the catheter. A nurse or technician will apply pressure for 15-20 minutes.
Your physician will return to explain the results to you. Sometimes cardiac catheterization will show that your heart is just fine. If there is a problem, your physician will discuss all possible treatments.
What tests will be required before my cardiac catheterization?
Before your cardiac catheterization, your physician will arrange for you to have several routine tests, including:
- EKG
- Blood tests (less than one week prior)
- Medical history and exam
- Chest x-ray
Will I be able to eat or drink before the test?
You will receive specific instructions about the food you may have before the cardiac catheterization. Generally, you should have nothing to eat or drink six to eight hours before the procedure.
What arrangements should I make to prepare for the procedure?
- Pack a small bag of overnight clothing in case your physician decides you need to stay overnight.
- Please leave any valuables at home.
- Bring a list of medications (with exact names and dosages) that you currently take.
- Bring your insurance card or medical card.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home.
- Be sure to mention if you are allergic to x-ray dyes or shellfish, and if you have problems taking aspirin or blood thinners.
- You may wear your dentures, hearing aids, or glasses.
When should I arrive at the hospital?
Your cardiologist, or someone on his/her staff, will let you know what time to arrive at the hospital. You may be asked to arrive one to two hours before the scheduled procedure.
What happens after my test?
After your cardiac catheterization, your physician will return to explain the results to you. Sometimes cardiac catheterization will show that your heart is just fine. If there is a problem, your physician will discuss all possible treatments.
What can I do when I return home?
- Be sure to make arrangements to have a friend or family member drive you home.
- Avoid heavy lifting, and do only light activities for a few days.
- You may have a small bruise or lump the size of an olive under the skin at the insertion site. This should go away within a few weeks.
Be sure to call your doctor if:
- The insertion site bleeds
- You feel chest pain or discomfort
- Your arm or leg feels numb or cold
- The bruising or swelling gets worse or increases
- You have a fever
- Signs of infection appear at the insertion site