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Cardiac Catheterization
Day of the Test
Arriving at the Hospital
Check in at the Cardiac Cath Lab reception desk (Feinberg Pavilion, 251
East Huron, 8th floor) between 6 and 6:30 a.m. unless told otherwise.
Parking is available.
Be sure to bring:
- A list of current medicines.
- Reading material and personal items in case of an overnight stay. Leave valuables at home.
- Insurance card.
Plan to have a responsible adult to take you home.
For
their own safety, children under the age of 16 may not visit the
testing area. They may stay in the waiting room with a responsible
adult.
Preparing for the Test
- You will be assigned a room for both your pre- and post-cath care.
- After you change into a hospital gown, the nurse will review your health history and take your blood pressure and pulse.
- Blood tests will be done (for diabetics, this includes a blood creatinine test).
- An
IV (into the vein) line will be inserted into your arm or hand. The IV
is used for fluids and needed medicine during the exam.
- Your groin area will be cleaned and shaved.
- The
femoral artery is used most often for the exam. Other sites, such as
the brachial artery (in the bend of the elbow) may also be used.
- The
doctor will discuss the exam with you. After the doctor has answered
your questions, you will be asked to give your written consent for the
test.
- You may wear your watch, glasses, dentures (or bridgework), jewelry and hairpieces.
- You will be asked to empty your bladder just before going into the procedure room.
During the Test
- Once in cath lab, you will be assisted onto a firm X-ray table. The room has a camera and several TV monitors.
- You
will be given medicine through your IV line to relax you. You may feel
drowsy but usually you will be awake and comfortable during the test.
- The
area around the puncture site will be cleaned with a special soap that
may feel cold. An anesthetic (numbing medicine) will be injected into
the area.
- A needle will be inserted into the artery and
the catheter guided into position. This is not usually painful. You may
feel pressure and mild discomfort at the puncture site. If needed,
additional numbing medicine will be given.
- Contrast dye
will be injected into the catheter and carried through the blood
vessels. As the contrast dye is injected, you may feel flushed or warm.
This lasts a few seconds.
- A series of X-rays will be taken.
- As needed, an angioplasty may be done or a stent may be placed.
Contact
If you have any questions about this information, talk to your doctor or nurse, or call the Cardiac Cath Department at (312) 926-5135.
Review Date: 12/04
