What is Cardiac Catheterization?

Cardiac (heart) Catheterization is a procedure done to help your doctor diagnose diseases of the heart such as blocked arteries, heart valve defects or heart muscle damage to determine whether additional treatment is necessary.

How is Cardiac Catheterization done?

This procedure involves the insertion of a small tube, or catheter, into a blood vessel in the leg.  The catheter is then guided through this blood vessel to your heart with the aid of a special x-ray machine. When the catheter is correctly positioned, a small amount of “x-ray” dye is injected and allows the physician to visualize blockages in the heart’s arteries.

How are the Catheterization Images Recorded?

Diagnostic catheterization images are saved on CDs that can be used by your cardiologist to evaluate or confirm the presence of heart disease and heart muscle function.  This evaluation process helps determine the next step in your care that may include:  medical management, interventional procedures, or open-heart surgery.

Who is Eligible for a Cardiac Catheterization at ACMH?

Patients must meet low risk criteria and be 18 years of age or older.

How do I Prepare for this Procedure?

	Pretesting is usually required within one week prior to the procedure and may consist of blood work, chest x-ray and/or EKG, depending on your symptoms. Please be sure to tell your physician if there is any chance you could be pregnant, if you have an allergy to shell fish, iodine, latex, have bleeding problems, or take medications such as blood thinners and/or diabetes medication. It is important to tell your physician ALL medications you are taking including herbal/dietary supplements.
	Diabetics must check with their primary care physician regarding how to adjust their medications for the day of their test.
	You must have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure.

How Long is the Catheterization Procedure?

Procedures vary from individual to individual but on average, the procedure itself takes approximately 30 – 45 minutes, with a prep time of about 1 hour. The recovery time lasts anywhere from 2 to 4 hours.

What Happens on the Day of My Procedure?

	You will report to the Ambulatory Surgery Center on the third floor of the hospital using the elevators in the main lobby. Plan to spend 5-9 hours from arrival through the recovery period.
	Bring a list of your medications (including over the counter and herbal).  Please tell the nurse if you are taking Coumadin (warfarin), Plavix (Clopidogrel), diuretics or insulin.
	Remind the staff if you are allergic to anything, especially iodine, shellfish, x-ray dye, penicillin-type medications, or latex or rubber products.
	A nurse will start an IV (intravenous line) in your arm so that medications and fluids can be administered during the procedure.

In the Cath Lab

	Your skin at the site of the procedure (usually the groin) will be cleansed.
	Sterile drapes will be used to cover you and the site to prevent infection.
	Electrodes that are small, flat, sticky patches will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rate and rhythm during the procedure.
	You will be given a mild sedative to relax you, but you will remain awake and conscious during the entire procedure.
	The doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the site.  A plastic introducer sheath (a short hollow tube the size of your IV tube) will be inserted in a blood vessel in your groin.
	A catheter (the size of a strand of spaghetti) will be inserted through the “sheath” and visually guided to the arteries of your heart by using x-rays.
	A contrast material (“x-ray dye”) will be injected through the catheter and may make you feel hot or flushed for several seconds.  This is normal and will go away quickly.  Please tell the doctor or nurses if you feel:  itching, tightness in the throat, shortness of breath, nausea, chest discomfort, or any other uncomfortable symptoms.

What Happens After the Procedure is Complete?

	The catheter and sheath will be removed from the artery used for the procedure, and a “closure device” or manual pressure will be applied to stop any bleeding.
	You will return to ambulatory surgery and must lie flat with your leg straight for two to four hours to prevent bleeding.  Your head cannot be raised more than 30 degrees or two pillows high.
	You must have someone to drive you home before you will be released from the hospital.

What Do I Do at Home?

	Drink plenty of fluids to clear the contrast dye from your body (unless you are on fluid restrictions).
	Treatment, including medications, diet, and future procedures, will be discussed with you prior to going home.  Care of the wound site, activity and follow-up care will also be discussed.  Written instructions will be provided for you to take home as well.

How Do I get an Appointment or More Information?

You will be referred for the procedure by your primary care physician and/or your cardiologist.  For more information, please call 724-543-8544

 

 

Meet the Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization  Physicians

Dr. Ramzi Khalil, MD Cardiology Associates 116 Mina Street Elderton, PA 412-359-5822

Dr. Samir J. Shah, MD, FACC 401 Pine Hill Road Kittanning, PA 16201 724-543-3417