Torrance Memorial Medical Center - Cardiac Catheterization

This procedure is nonsurgical and is performed under X-ray guidance in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab.
A catheter (a long, thin, flexible tube) is inserted through an artery (blood vessel) in the thigh up into the heart. Occasionally an artery in the arm is used.
X-rays (pictures) are taken of the heart and coronary arteries.
The patient is given a mild sedative to help him relax but remains awake during the procedure to allow him to answer questions regarding his comfort level, any chest pain or shortness of breath.
A small area of the groin or arm is shaved and cleansed where the catheter will be inserted.
Medication will be used to anesthetize (numb) this area so a small incision can be made where the catheter will be inserted.
The catheter is inserted through the femoral artery in the groin (or an artery in the arm at the crease of the elbow). X-ray is used to guide the catheter up into the heart.
A colorless dye is injected through the catheter, and X-ray pictures are taken of the heart and coronary arteries.
The patient can watch the procedure on the monitor if he wants to.
The test takes about an hour.

This test will help the doctor to evaluate the patient's cardiac condition related to:

How well the heart muscle and valves are working
The extent of damage to the heart after a heart attack
Which coronary arteries are narrowed
The extent and degree of the narrowing
What treatment is required: medical management, an angioplasty (PTCA) or surgery

Slight burning or stinging from the medicine used to numb the catheter insertion site.
Slight discomfort or pressure as the catheter is being inserted.
Slight nausea, extra heartbeats, and/or a warm flushing throughout the body (10-20 seconds) as the dye is being injected.

After X-rays are taken, the catheter is removed.
A bandaid or pressure dressing will be placed over the area where the catheter was inserted.
Firm pressure is applied for 15-30 minutes until the bleeding stops.
If an artery in the arm is used, pressure will be applied.
The patient will be observed for 6-8 hours before discharged home.
The insertion site will be checked frequently for signs of bleeding.
Blood pressure and the pulse in the leg (or arm) used will be checked frequently.
A knot under the skin where the catheter was inserted may occur. This is only temporary.
Bruising to the leg/groin area where the catheter was inserted may occur. The bruising may spread down the leg and is only temporary.
Most patients are discharged in 8 hours with minimal activity restrictions.

Avoid bending the leg at the hip (groin area) for 6 to 8 hours.
Hold the bandaid firmly, if need to cough or sneeze.
Avoid bending or using the arm for several hours, if it was used for the insertion of the catheter.

Discomfort or sudden pain at the insertion site.
A warm, moist and sticky feeling, or bleeding.
Any discomfort in chest, neck, jaw, arms or upper back, shortness of breath, weakness or dizziness.

If taking blood thinners (ie. Coumadin), should they be withheld and, if so, how long prior to the procedure
Leave all valuables at home.
Make arrangements to be driven home.

Registration:

Pre-register 1-3 days prior to the day the test is scheduled. This will save considerable time on the day of test. Please call (310)517-4754 to pre-register.
Plan to arrive 2 hours before the scheduled time of the test.
Enter the hospital through the main lobby from the visitor parking lot on the east side of the hospital.
Check in at the information desk in the main lobby.
The patient will be escorted to the Short Stay Department.