Patient Information

  People entering the hospital for a cardiac catheterization are naturally apprehensive and usually have many questions. The purpose of this information is to answer your questions.

  Prior to your procedure you will be visited by one of our nurses who will explain it. You will also meet the doctor who will perform the test. Please feel free to ask them any additional questions.

WHAT IS CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION?

  A cardiac catheterization is a test to determine if heart disease is present and to assess its severity. In most patients it is done to evaluate disease of the coronary arteries, but it can also be done to evaluate heart valve problems or to diagnose defects between the heartÕs chambers. Cardiac catheterization is carried out by an invasive cardiologist (heart specialist) assisted by specially trained nurses and X-ray personnel. This test is an accepted diagnostic procedure and is performed several times daily at Crouse Hospital.

The procedure involves putting a catheter (narrow, flexible tube) into a vein and/or artery. The position of the catheter is controlled by the cardiologist who watches its progress on a small television screen in the room. Pressure measurements are recorded and pictures are taken using dye that is visible on X-ray. A permanent movie film of the procedure is recorded. You may see some of the pictures on the television screen by means of an instant replay system.

WHAT PREPARATION IS NECESSARY?

  On the evening prior to the test your groin area will be shaved. You may have a sleeping pill to allow a good nightÕs sleep. On the day of the catheterization, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything except medication after a light breakfast of juice and coffee or tea. A mild sedative is given prior to the test. You will be taken by stretcher to the adult cardiac catheterization laboratory.

  A local anesthetic is used to numb the catheterization site and you will experience no discomfort after this. A small puncture (not an incision) is made in the groin. If the arm is used, a small incision will be made at the elbow. A general anesthetic is not used during this test as your cooperation is important.

HOW IS INFORMATION OBTAINED?

  The catheter tip is directed by the doctor to the desired position with the aid of X-ray and the arterial pressures are recorded.

  The movement of the main pumping chamber of the heart (left ventricle) is studied by injecting a clear liquid dye through the catheter. This dye, seen by X-ray, allows the doctor to see how your heart functions as a pump. Your coronary arteries which supply the heart muscle with blood will be visualized by directing the catheter tip to the openings of the coronary arteries. Small amounts of dye are injected into the coronary arteries and X-ray movies are again taken.

  When the X-ray pictures are taken, it is important to take a deep breath when asked, without bearing down, as this improves the pictures. You may be asked to cough after the pictures.

WHAT WILL YOU FEEL?

  Heart catheterization is not painful, although you may experience some minor sensations. The test takes about an hour and you are asked to lie flat during this time. As mentioned previously, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area where the doctor is working. Mild pressure is a sensation that is felt at the catheterization site during the test. The movement of catheters is not felt because these vessels do not have a sense of pain. You may experience palpitations, or a feeling of skipped beats. These sensations are not dangerous and are a normal part of the test.

  When the dye is injected to evaluate the pumping chamber of the heart it will cause a brief feeling of warmth and flushing which lasts only about one-half minute. The smaller amount of dye used to study the coronary arteries does not procure this sensation.

  At the end of the test, the catheters are removed. Pressure will be applied to your groin for approximately 10 minutes. No stitches will be necessary in this area. If the arm has been used, the incision will be closed with stitches.

IS IT DANGEROUS?

  Any test involving the heart and blood vessels has risks, although they are small. Cardiac catheterization has been done for more than 30 years and long experience has taught doctors to expect these problems and to deal with them effectively. The doctors and nurses caring for you at Crouse Hospital are an experienced, highly skilled team.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FOLLOWING THE TEST?

  After the test you will be returned to your room. An EKG and frequent checks by the nursing staff are routine. You may eat and drink immediately after the test. You must remain in bed for eight hours and be very careful that you do not move your leg during this time. A small sandbag will be placed on your groin as a reminder not to move the leg. The head of the bed will be elevated so you are more comfortable and you are asked not to sit up. A bedpan or urinal during this eight-hour period will be necessary.

  Later in the day your doctor will see you to discuss the results of the study. This report will be forwarded to your referring doctor. If there is no swelling or bleeding from the puncture site you will be discharged from the hospital the next morning.

AFTER DISCHARGE

  The small Band-Aids at the groin catheterization site may be removed the next day. There might be an area of discoloration or a small lump at the cath site. Tenderness at the site may be present for a few days after the test.

  On the day of discharge it is best to leave the driving to someone else. Resting at home that day is advisable. You may bathe in a tub or shower. Some people return to work the day after discharge, however, that again depends on your diagnosis and your type of work.

  Unless otherwise instructed continue your usual medication. We hope that your stay in the hospital will be a pleasant one. We welcome your comments about the test. If stitches are placed in your arm they should be removed in one week, either by us or your own physician.

  If you have any questions, call 315/470-7836.

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