Cardiac Catheterization and Coronary Angiography

What is a Cardiac Catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography is a test that allows your doctor to visualize any narrowing and/or blockages of coronary arteries. With this non-surgical procedure, which uses x-ray images, your doctor will be able to determine if the heart valves are opening and closing properly, and observe how efficiently the heart muscle is pumping.

What can I expect before the exam?

Your physician will completely explain the procedure to you ahead of time and obtain informed procedure consent.

Your physician will request blood tests, a chest x-ray and an EKG. These will all be performed prior to your arrival for the exam.

You will be asked to not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your test.

What can I expect during the exam?

You will be asked to report to the Registration Department in the front of the hospital and then go to the IMCU on the second floor. Your doctor will notify you of the time.

The nurse on the floor will assist you in getting ready for your test.

You will be asked to remove all of your clothing and put a hospital gown on.

You will be asked to go to your assigned bed.

The nurse will take a complete medical history.

Please bring a complete list of your medications with you.

The nurse will start an intravenous in your arm.

When the doctor notifies the floor, they will given you some premedication with a small amount of water.

You will then be transported to the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory on a stretcher.

Your family may accompany you as far as the family surgery waiting room. The cardiologist will talk to your family after the test.

You will be taken into the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and asked to move onto the table.

You will have a qualified nurse, technologist and cardiologist present.

You will be attached to the EKG monitor, blood pressure monitor and oxygen saturation monitor for continuous monitoring throughout the procedure.

The cardiologist may order some additional sedation if he feels it is necessary.

You will be covered from the neck down with a sterile cover.

The cardiologist will administer some local Novocain to your groin.

The cardiologist will then perform the procedure. He will insert a narrow and soft flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel and gently guide it toward your heart. Once the catheter is in place, x-rays and other measurements will be made.

You will be relaxed during the test. You may be asked to breathe deeply or to hold your breath at certain points during the test.

The nurse will ask you how you are doing during the procedure.

How long will the test take?

Depending on what the cardiologist finds, it will take 45 to 90 minutes

What can I expect after the exam?

If the cardiologist decides to remove the tube that holds the catheter, he may apply a sterile dressing to the site and transport you to the hospital floor for removal and recovery. If the catheter is removed, you will be asked to remain flat and quiet for 4-6 hours after the removal of the tube.

If the cardiologist decides that you may need a further test or procedure performed, he may leave the tube in place, suturing it in and covering it with a sterile dressing. You will then be transported to the hospital floor, asked to remain still and quiet until the procedure can be performed.

The cardiologist will review your results and discuss them with you at a later time.