Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to view the heart and its blood vessels. It is performed by a specially trained team of technicians, nurses, and physicians.

During the procedure, a catheter is placed into a blood vessel in your arm or leg. A special type of X-ray screen shows the blood vessels and the heart so the physicians can guide the catheter into the correct position.

Dye is injected through the catheter in order to look at the blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries) and locate blockages. The size and pumping action of the heart muscle and the opening and closing of the valves are visualized.

You may view moving images of what the physician's actually see during this procedure by clicking the images below.  Each image will take about 30 seconds to load on your computer before the action begins.

The procedure usually takes 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.

How Do I Prepare for This Test?
Many people are admitted the same day of the procedure. The area where the catheter will be inserted, usually the arm or leg, will be shaved. You will be awake during the procedure, and medicine will be given to help you to relax.

IF you are ALLERGIC TO SHELLFISH or have ever had a PROBLEM WITH X-RAY DYE, TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.

• You will be asked not to eat or drink anything 6 to 12 hours before the procedure.
• You should ask your doctor about continuing your current medications.
• Please bring all medications with you on the day of the procedure.

What Can You Expect During the Procedure?
You will be placed on a special table. Before the procedure begins, a nurse will start an intravenous (IV) line in one of your arms. This will be used to give you medicine, which will help you relax. The area where the cardiac catheter will be inserted will be shaved and cleaned. Sterile towels will be placed over you to prevent infection.

A numbing agent will be injected. A small incision will be made, and you may experience pressure while the catheter is being placed. When the X-ray dye is injected, you may feel a warm, flushing sensation, with nausea occasionally, but this should go away quickly.

Medicines, such a nitroglycerin, may be given during the catheterization. You may be asked to take deep breaths and cough as cameras move around you.

If you feel uncomfortable in any way during the procedure, be sure to let the staff know. They are there to help you.

After the catheter is removed, pressure on your groin is held for 15 to 30 minutes. You will return to your room following this procedure.

What Should You Expect After Cardiac Catheterization?
You will be on bed rest for at least 6 hours. The nurses will check your blood pressure, pulse, and insertion site frequently. If dye was used, you will need to drink plenty of liquid to help flush the dye from your body. The physician taking care of you will be available later to answer your questions.

What Do You Need to Know Before Discharge?
You may shower and gently clean the insertion site with soap and water. A bandage is not necessary.

The insertion site may feel numb and sore. You may develop a bruise which may extend down your leg. This bruise should get lighter and disappear in one to three weeks. Any discomfort at this site should go away in about a week.

• You cannot drive yourself home, so someone will need to bring you home when you are discharged.

• During the first three days, you are encouraged to perform your own usual personal care of daily living, such as cook a meal, or walk around in the house or yard.
• Do not lift anything heavier than ten pounds.

• Do not ride a bicycle or operate a motor vehicle (car, truck, tractor, lawn mower, motorcycle, etc.).

• Stairs should be used as little as possible.

You and your family physician will decide when you can resume your normal activities and return to work. If you have questions about re-starting certain activities, ask your physician.

When Should You Call Your Family Physician?
You should contact you family physician immediately if any of the following is present after one week at the catheter site:

• new swelling
• redness
• drainag
• pain
• numbness