Cardiac Catheterization

Before your procedure:                                                              You'll be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. Before a cardiac catheterization, routine blood tests, an EKG and a chest x-ray are usually done. The area where the catheter will be inserted will be cleaned with a special cleanser (groin or arm) to prevent infection. Before going to the cath lab, an IV will be started and medications to help you relax will be given to you. The medication may make you feel sleepy. You will probably be awake during the procedure but you may not remember it. Before your procedure, you should know that if a complication should arise, bypass surgery could be needed immediately just in case, you’ll be asked to sign a consent form for bypass surgery as well as for an intervention such as a balloon or stent.
      **Tell your doctor is you are allergic to x-ray dye, shellfish or other medications.

Procedure Description:                                                                      In the procedure room, your blood pressure and heart rate and rhythm will be monitored. A numbing medicine is injected under the skin where the site the catheter will be inserted into your artery to perform the test. You will be draped with a sterile sheet and asked to keep your arms under it. An introducer sheath is placed into an artery in the groin or an incision is made in the artery in your arm and then a catheter is guided through the sheath. An x-ray sensitive dye is injected into your coronary artery through the catheter to help your doctor see your coronary arteries more clearly. You will see the camera moving around you and hear it as pictures are being taken.

Before you leave the hospital:                                                      After a cardiac catheterization, you will return to the cardiac care unit or your hospital room for your recovery period. Your loved ones can visit with you during this time. A bandage will be placed at the site the catheter was inserted and you will be asked not to bend that area for a period of time after the procedure.
     **Let the nurse know if you feel a wet, warm feeling, a sharp or burning pain at the puncture site. This could be a sign of bleeding and needs to be checked right away.  Later if you’re hungry, you can have something to eat and drink. You’ll soon be back on your feet and going home. If a balloon or stent was not needed, you will likely go home on the same day as your procedure. Arrange for someone to drive you home and check with the doctor and nurse about medications and returning to your normal activities.

Follow up care:
      When you return home, there are few limitations in your activity. A bruise and soreness at the site for a few days is common. You should not lift things that weigh more than 10 lbs. for the first few days. Most people return to work within a few days or so. To ensure a successful recovery, be sure to take your medications as directed and to keep your regular follow-up appointments.