Cardiovascular imaging provides images of the heart and the surrounding arteries that are used in diagnosing disease and the appropriate care to follow. The Cath Lab at St. Edward Mercy is equipped with  the latest cardiac and vascular imaging technology available. Our Cath Labs were the first in the area to utilize “flat plate” digital technology to obtain the highest quality images possible. This combined with our professional caring staff makes St. Edward Mercy and the Heart Center the hospital of choice for cardiovascular services.
In cardiac catheterization (often abbreviated as "cath"), a very small catheter (hollow tube) is advanced from a blood vessel in the groin through the aorta into the heart.
Once the catheter is in place, several diagnostic techniques may be used. The tip of the catheter can be placed into various parts of the heart to measure the pressure within the chambers. The catheter can be advanced into the coronary arteries and a dye injected into the arteries (coronary angiography or arteriography). With the use of fluoroscopy (a special type of x-ray), the physician can tell where any blockages in the coronary arteries are located as the dye moves through the arteries. A small sample of heart tissue can be obtained during the procedure to be examined later under the microscope for abnormalities (this is called a biopsy).
You are awake during the procedure, although you will receive a small amount of sedating medication prior to the procedure.
Due to advances in knowledge, technology, and techniques, cardiac cath is often performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that the procedure is done early in the day and you may go home the same day. However, catheterization may be done on patients who are already hospitalized and thus, will remain in the hospital after the procedure.  Also, some patients who were at home before the procedure are admitted to the hospital after the procedure in certain circumstances. During 2006, there were over 2,000 cardiac catheterization procedures performed at St. Edward Mercy.
There are a variety of reasons your doctor might order a heart cath, you may be short of breath, you may have chest pain (angina) or you may not have any symptoms but another test has detected signs of heart problems. The night before your test do not eat or drink anything after midnight, the morning of your test do not eat or drink or smoke (smoking causes your arteries to contract). Take your medications as you normally would unless told otherwise by your physician. If family members accompany you to the hospital suggest that they bring a book, puzzles or something to help pass the time. Before the catheterization a doctor will explain the procedure and ask several health questions. Our nursing staff will have you sign a permit, change into a hospital gown and start an IV.
Before your procedure begins you will be taken into the Heart Cath room where the procedure will be done. You will be connected to monitors that continuously measure your heart rhythm, blood pressure and oxygen level. Your groin area or possibly underarm will be shaved, cleaned and covered with sterile drapes. When the doctor arrives, you will be given a sedative to help you relax. Before the procedure begins, you will receive a local anesthetic to numb the area, it may sting or burn but will only last a few seconds.
During the procedure a long slender tube called a catheter is inserted into the artery of your arm or groin. This catheter is guided to your heart by watching an x-ray screen. The doctor will take pressures inside your heart, and also inject a dye into your arteries to check for blockages. While the dye is being injected several pictures will be made at several different angles. At the completion of the test the films will be reviewed and the next step of treatment determined.  If there is a blockage present the doctor may proceed with treatment if you have agreed to do so. These procedures are called Percutaneous Coronary Interventions or PCIs, they include angioplasty, coronary stent placement, and Intravascular Ultrasound. During 2006 there were over 500 PCIs performed at St. Edward Mercy. To learn more about these and other cardiac procedures please click here.
St. Edward Mercy also provides an array of other diagnostic cardiac testing to include stress test, echocardiograms, electrophysiology studies, etc. to learn more about these testings and others please click here. |
