Diagnostic Services - Cardiac Catheterization
What is cardiac catheterization?
Why is cardiac catheterization done?
What type of patients will have cardiac catheterization?
Risks involved with cardiac catheterization
Before your procedure
The day of your procedure
What Happens During the Procedure?
What Happens After the Procedure?
Discharge instructions
What is Cardiac Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterization (heart cath) is a test, that shows the pumping ability of the heart and the blood flow through the coronary arteries.
The test is performed by placing a thin flexible tube (catheter) into a blood vessel and advancing it to the heart.
The test is performed by a cardiologist who has specialized training in the care of the heart.
Why is Cardiac Catheterization Performed?
Cardiac catheterization helps your doctor to diagnose diseases of the heart such as clogged arteries, heart valve defects, or heart muscle damage. It can confirm that the heart is normal and provides reassurance that the symptoms are not related to heart problems. If problems are identified by the catheterization procedure, it will help your doctor to develop a treatment plan.
What type of patients can have cardiac catheterization at UCH?
GCMC performs low risk cardiac catheterization, meaning patients must meet certain criteria to be able to have the procedure performed.GCMC performs procedures on adults only, that is 18 years of age or older.
GCMC performs only diagnostic procedures. Currently balloon angioplasty and stent procedures are referred to tertiary medical centers.
Risks Involved With Cardiac Catheterization
The risks of cardiac catheterization are fairly low and are often outweighed by the benefits.These risks include:
- Bleeding or clotting
- Tearing or cracking of artery lining
- Allergic reaction to the contrast media
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart attack, stroke, or death (very rare)
Before Your Procedure
At least one week before your procedure be sure to tell your doctor if:- You are pregnant
- You have had an allergic reaction to iodine or shell fish
- You have bleeding problems
- You are taking any medication such as blood thinners (Coumadin), Aspirin, Plavix, or diabetes medication
If you take insulin, follow your physician’s directions.
Do not eat or drink anything the morning of the procedure. Your doctor will instruct you when to stop eating and drinking and if you can take your regular medications. However you may take small sips of water if you are instructed by your doctor to take a medication.
The Day of Your Procedure
When you come to the hospital you may park in the Surgical Center parking lot on the north side or rear of the hospital.
You will be asked to sign a consent form giving permission to perform the test. At this time the procedure will be explained to you.
If you have questions regarding the procedure, feel free to ask the cardiologist.
You may wear your glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, or dentures during the procedure.
An IV will be placed in your arm to supply fluids during the procedure. Medications can be given through the IV if necessary.
A medication may be given to help you relax before the catheterization.
Your family may stay with you until it is time for the procedure. Once the procedure has begun the family will be asked to remain in the outpatient services waiting room during your test. If it is necessary for them to leave the waiting room, they should tell the nurse or receptionist where they can be reached.
What Happens During the Procedure?
You will be awake during the procedure and may be asked to take a deep breath or cough.
Tell staff if you are experiencing any chest pain, shortness of breath, or itching.
The skin will be cleansed with a special solution and then the cardiologists will use a local anesthetic to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted.
A catheter is inserted through the blood vessel in the leg or arm and the tip of the catheter is directed toward the heart.
Once positioned, a dye is injected into the catheter, which allows the blood flow to be seen on the monitor. When the dye is injected you may have a warm flushed feeling, which will pass in about 30 seconds. You may also have a slight metallic taste in your mouth.
During the injection of the dye, x-ray pictures will be taken and recorded.
The catheterization procedure takes between 30-60 minutes.
What Happens After the Procedure?
Firm pressure will be applied to the catheter insertion site until the vessel stops bleeding. You will receive specific post care instructions at this time.
Sometimes a special stitch, plug or pressure devise will be applied to the catheter insertion site.
After your catheterization you will be on bed rest anywhere from 2-6 hours. You must not bend the arm or leg that was used for the test.
- If a collagen plug was inserted into your artery, you will need to keep your leg straight for only 1-2 hours.
For the first hour you will have to lie flat. Then the head of your bed may be raised.
The nurse will instruct you as to how soon you will be allowed out of bed.
You will be permitted fluids at this time and can eat finger foods.
It is very important to tell your nurse if:
- You feel any chest pain
- You feel any discomfort at the insertion site
- The arm or leg used for insertion becomes numb or cold
- You feel warm or wetness around the insertion site; this could be a sign that you may be bleeding
Cardiac Catheterization Discharge Instructions:
Activity:
- Bed rest for the remainder of the day. You may get out of bed to use the bathroom.
- Limit the amount of walking for the remainder of the day.
- Do not walk up or down stairs today unless absolutely necessary.
- You may take a shower after 24 hours. No tub baths, hot tubs, or swimming for one week.
- You should avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day to prevent bleeding.
- Do not lift anything over 5 pounds for the next 24 hours.
- Do not drive for the next 24 hours.
- Make sure there is someone to drive you home from the hospital.
Diet:
- Drink plenty of fluids, at least 2 quarts today. It is important to drink a lot of fluids, this helps to eliminate the dye from your body through the urine.
- Eat what you normally do unless you have been instructed differently.
Medications:
- You can take your usual medications unless you have been instructed otherwise.
- Do not take Coumadin or blood thinners until directed by your physician, as these medications can increase the chance of bleeding.
- Do not take Glucophage (Metformin), Avandamet or Glucovance for 48 hours after the procedure.