This is an invasive procedure which may require conscious sedation. During the procedure a catheter is inserted through the groin. The catheters are guided into various coronary arteries and chambers of the heart. Dye is injected through these catheters and pictures are taken and stored on a computer. Pressure measurements are also taken in several areas of the heart.

What You Should Know
The patient should register in Outpatient Registration on the first floor of the Medical Center three or more hours (as directed) before their scheduled procedure. After registering, you will be directed to Same Day Surgery on the second floor or 3B. Upon arrival to the unit, an IV will be started to provide fluids and allow for IV medication if needed. Additional laboratory work will be completed if necessary. The admission assessment will also be reviewed and completed.

About one hour before the catherization, you may be sedated according to the physician's instructions. Shortly after sedation, the cath lab team will transport the patient to the holding area for further preparation. Both groins will be cleaned and shaved from the hip to the knee. The pedal pulses will also be checked and the feet will be marked at the appropriate pulse sites. Baseline vital signs are obtained and a heart monitor is applied to document heart rhythm.

Cardiac catheterizations are performed in the Cardiac Cath Lab located on the second floor in Cardiopulmonary Services. The procedure itself takes 15 - 45 minutes. However patients are admitted three to four hours prior to allow time for labs to be drawn, an IV started and the admission procedure to be completed.

Important: If you are scheduled for a cardiac cath, there are some medications you will need to avoid before the procedure. Please call your physician to be sure what applies to you.