Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

The Catheterization Laboratory, commonly referred to as the Cath lab, performs not only diagnostic procedures in the cardiac and peripheral vascular system, but provides leading edge interventional services. It is staffed with 19 people, including RNs, Radiologic Technologists (RTs) and a supervising cardiologist.

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure during which your doctor inserts a long, thin, flexible tube, called a catheter, into a blood vessel that is directed towards the heart. The procedure allows your doctor to assess how well your heart is pumping and to examine the coronary arteries and the heart valves.

A hollow needle is put into a vein for a right heart cath or an artery in the arm or groin for a left heart cath. A flexible wire is threaded through the hollow needle into the vessel. The catheter is then put over the wire in the blood vessel.

The doctor watches the catheter move toward the heart on an x-ray machine known as a fluoroscope. When the catheter is in proper position, dye is put through the opening of the catheter. Dye lets the doctor see the coronary arteries and the chambers of the heart. Blood samples are taken and pressures are measured during the catheterization.

Another term which may be used to describe a cardiac catheterization is heart catheterization or cath. Coronary angiogram or coronary arteriography are the terms used to describe the x-ray pictures taken of dye injected into the coronary arteries during a left heart catheterization.

To learn more, please view this 14 minute video:

• Understanding Coronary Artery Disease and Your Stent - A Guide for Patients