The following information is a brief description about Cardiac Catheterization. If you have any questions after reading this information, please email one of our doctors at cardcath@med.nyu.edu .

What Is Cardiac Catheterization?

• A test done to see how the heart is functioning.
• A catheter (long thin tube) is inserted in femoral blood vessels in the right groin area; it is advanced to the heart. Dye is injected so areas can be visualized.
• Pressure and oxygen concentration readings can also be taken.

Why Is It Done?

• It can reveal if there are problems with the valves, the heart chambers or the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle itself.

Where Is The Procedure Done?

• Cardiac Catheterization Lab, 5 th Floor, Tisch Hospital.

How Long Does It Take?

• The procedure usually takes 45 minutes to one hour. This does not include time for transportation to and from the unit and preparation time, which may cause you to be away from the unit from 3-4 hours.

What Preparation Is Needed?

• If not done already, blood work, EKG, and chest X-ray will be done.
• If not done already, you will have history and assessment by a nurse and discuss the procedure with a doctor from the Cardiac Catheterization team.
• Inform the Cardiac Catheterization team if you are allergic to shellfish, iodine or dye used in other medical tests.
• Tell the doctor if you are taking the medication, metformin (Glucophage), for treatment of Diabetes.
• After the procedure has been explained and your questions have been answered, you will need to sign a consent form giving your permission for the procedure.

Day Of Procedure:

• Do not eat or drink from the midnight before the test.
• Your nurse will give you your regularly scheduled medications, which you can take with a sip of water.
• You are usually given aspirin and Benadryl before the procedure.
• If you use nitroglycerin tablets, bring a supply with you to the procedure.
• Before your procedure, urinate to empty your bladder and change into a hospital gown.
• Remove all jewelry and metal objects. Give all valuables to your nurse to secure in a safe place.
• You may receive sedation to help you relax.
• You can wear dentures and your glasses.
• You will be helped unto a stretcher. Escort personnel will take you to the Catheterization Lab.

What Happens During The Procedure?

• You will lie on an x-ray table.
• EKG leads and blood pressure cuffs will be attached.
• The area used for catheter insertion will be cleansed and numbered.
• The doctor will insert a catheter and use x-ray to position it.
• Dye will be injected and x-rays taken.
• Pressure readings will also be obtained.
• The catheter is removed and pressure is applied to the catheter insertion site.
• A Band-Aid is placed over the site.

What You May Feel

• You will feel a stinging sensation when the local anesthetic is injected.
• You may feel a hot sensation or feel flushed when the dye is injected.

What Happens After The Procedure?

• You will be retained to your room by stretcher.
• You must stay in bed with limb (usually right leg) straight for a period of time after the procedure. Do not bend it. Your nurse will give you specific instructions.
• The nurse will check your blood pressure, pulse and area around insertion site.
• You can eat immediately after the procedure. In addition, you should increase your fluid intake to at least 2 cups an hour unless instructed otherwise.
• Your usual medication will be continued.
• Your urinary output will be measured.
• The nursing staff will inform you when you can get up, and will help you the first time you get up.
• The nursing staff will review activity recommendations with you.
• NOTIFY YOUR NURSE IMMEDIATELY IF BLEEDING, CHEST PAINS OR OTHER UNUSUAL SYMPTOMS OCCUR.

Discharge Information:

• The doctor from the Cardiac Catheterization team will see you prior to discharge. In addition to giving you specific discharge instructions, the doctor may be able to discuss preliminary results with you. You should contact your personal physician for an appointment to discuss final results. If you are discharged the evening of the procedure, you should not use public transportation and you should not drive yourself home.