Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a test used to diagnose abnormalities of the coronary blood vessels. These vessels supply blood to your heart. The test can also be used to observe your heart chambers and heart valves. The supplies used for this exam include:

• long thin tubes, called catheters
• a TV system
• an X-ray machine

The cardiac catheterization laboratories are fully equipped to provide state-of-the-art diagnostic and interventional services. Standard diagnostic procedures for both adult and child patients are routinely performed. Modern interventional devices are available for use in selected patients. These include angioplasty, atherectomy which uses a catheter to remove fatty deposits in the heart and devices used to remove hardened plaque from the heart. Multiple stents are also available, including the multi-link stent. Intravascular ultrasound can be used as needed for the assessment of coronary anatomy and stent deployment. It is often possible for patients undergoing diagnostic procedures to be admitted and discharged from the hospital in less than eight hours. For patients undergoing interventional procedures, an overnight stay is generally required.