Cardiac Catheterization

 Cardiac Catheterization

What is Cardiac Catheterization (Coronary Angiography)?

Coronary Catheterization is an outpatient procedure that makes a “map” of the vessels (arteries) of your heart. This map can show where blood flow may be blocked.  During this test the pumping function (ejection fraction) of your heart may also be evaluated.

Before the Procedure

  • Tell your doctor about all medications you take and any allergies you may have.
  • Talk to your doctor about the risks and complications of the procedure.
  • Don’t eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure.  If your doctor says it is ok to take your normal medications, take them with only enough water needed to get them down.
  • Arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home.
  • We will need you to have blood work done within 2 weeks of your procedure.
  • We will call you the afternoon before your procedure to confirm your arrival time.
  • Make sure to bring your medications with you in your original bottles.

When you Arrive

  • You will check in with the receptionist and take care of any outstanding paperwork.
  • We provide lunch for you and one other person. You will be given a menu to choose from.
  • When you are taken to your room, you will be asked to change into a patient gown.  If you wish, your family and friends may go with you to your room.
  • Before your procedure we will do a brief history and assessment, check your vital signs, go over all of your medications, start an IV, and we may do an EKG.
  • Once the doctor has discussed the procedure with you, including the risks and the benefits, we will have you sign the consent forms.

During the Procedure

  • You will get medication through your IV to help you relax.  You are given an injection to numb the insertion site of the catheter.  Then, a small puncture is made near the artery in your groin.
  • Your doctor will insert the catheter through the puncture and then thread the catheter into the artery while viewing a video monitor.  An x-ray is used throughout the procedure.
  • The doctor will visualize your heart and it’s arteries by injecting contrast or “dye” through the catheter.  
  • Once your doctor is finished the catheter is removed. 

After your Procedure

  • You will be taken back to your room.  You will still have a small tube in the artery of your leg.  One of the nurses or techs will pull that out and hold pressure to the area for about 10 minutes. 
  • You will need to lie in bed with your legs straight and still about 2 hours after your procedure to prevent bleeding from the groin site.
  • After you are able to sit up, we will bring your lunch.  We will watch you for 1-2 hours after lunch to make sure you won’t have any problems once you go home.
  • Your doctor will come discuss your procedure with you before you go home.

When You First Go Home

When you get home we want you to go to the couch, to bed, or the recliner.  We don’t want you doing any strenuous activity like taking stairs, lifting, or bending.  If you must use stairs, limit the number of times you need to use them.  Avoid excessive walking.  We will give you a copy of your discharge instructions when you leave.

Call Us If

  • You notice a lump or bleeding at the insertion site.
  • You feel pain at the insertion site.
  • You have leg pain or numbness.
  • You have signs of infection (fever, site red and warm)
  • You have any questions or concerns.