What is a cardiac catheterization?

This is a diagnostic procedure where a hollow tube (called a catheter) is inserted into an artery in the leg or arm in order to determine the severity of your blockages.

Where is the procedure performed?

Your procedure will be done at the Franciscan Cardiovascular Laboratory, located on the first floor of the Indiana Heart Physicians medical office building, 5330 East Stop 11 Rd., Ste. 101, Indianapolis, Ind.

How do I contact you for questions?

You may contact us by phone Monday through Friday at 317.893.1920 or by e-mail at cathlab@indianaheart.org. Allow 24 to 48 hours for an e-mail response.

What happens before the procedure?

When you arrive at the Franciscan Cardiovascular Laboratory you will be placed in your assigned outpatient pre- and post-recovery room. During the admission and pre-procedure activities, you will be asked a series of health history questions. Your vital signs will be taken, a shave prep will be performed to the area that the doctor will be using for the procedure (either groin or wrist) and an IV will be placed in a vein in your hand or arm. Fluids and medications will be given through this IV.            

When it is time for your procedure, you will be escorted to the bathroom and then taken into the procedure room (also called the cath lab). It is very cold in the cath lab, but warm blankets will be provided for your comfort. You will see television monitors, heart monitors and a large X-ray camera.

What happens during the procedure?

Once in the room, you will lie on the procedure table. Monitoring equipment will be placed to watch your heart rhythm and blood pressure. Medications will be given to help you relax. The area where the doctor will be working (groin or wrist) will be prepped with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection. You will then be covered from your shoulders to feet with a sterile sheet. It is important that you lay very still from this time forward.

As the doctor begins, you may feel a sting or burn as the numbing medication is injected to the area where the doctor will be working. After the medication takes effect, you should only feel dull pressure. If you experience any pain during the procedure, please tell your doctor or lab staff. The procedure will begin as the doctor makes a very small puncture to your upper thigh or wrist. The puncture will allow the doctor to place a short tube called a sheath into your artery. The doctor will then place a hollow catheter through the sheath and advance the catheter through the artery in your arm or leg. A dye is then injected through the catheter to help the doctor determine the location and severity of blockages.

Depending on the type of test your doctor has ordered, different things may happen during the procedure. If you are scheduled for a heart catheterization, the doctor will inject the dye through the catheter to see the heart and its arteries. If you are having a carotid arteriography, the doctors will use the dye to help see the vessels leading to the brain. The doctor also is able to inject the dye to check blood flow problems in the large vessels of the abdomen, the kidneys and your legs. 

When you are lying on the procedure table, an X-ray camera will move over the area of your body that the doctor is evaluating. This camera will not touch you. The doctor will inject the dye through the catheter and will be able to see your arteries. The X-ray camera will display the pictures on the monitor screens in the room. You will be able to watch the pictures yourself; you will be awake, but drowsy, during the procedures. 

How long will the procedure take?

The procedure will last between 30 and 45 minutes.

What happens after the procedure?

After the procedure, you will be taken back to your room, and a recovery time of 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours will begin. You will be on bed rest for the majority of that time with limited movement. Food and drinks will be provided during your post-procedure recovery. A television and phone are in your room. Your family or friends may stay with you in your room. The doctor will discuss the results of your procedure with you and your family during your recovery time. The recovery nurse will monitor you frequently and answer any questions you may have. Your nurse also will review specific discharge instructions and activity restrictions with you before you go home.

Some patients may receive additional medications, which will make their stay with us longer. This will be determined after your doctor receives the results of your pre- procedure blood work. You will be contacted by phone and receive additional instructions.     

THINGS TO KNOW

• Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before the day of the test. If you have diabetes, you should have received instructions from your doctor about your food and insulin intake, because not eating may affect your blood sugar levels.   
• You will receive instructions about taking your medications. PLEASE BE SURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS. If you are unsure, please see the patient instruction sheet given to you by your doctor or contact us at 317.893.1900. 
  • Bring all of your medications, including inhalers and insulin, with you the day of the procedure..
  • If you take Metformin (Glucophage) for your diabetes, your doctor will give you specific instructions on taking the Glucophage prior to the procedure.
  • Please inform your doctor if you are taking any blood-thinning medications.  
• Inform your heart doctor if you are allergic to or have had a reaction to contrast dye, iodine or shellfish.   
• Interventions (ballooning, stenting, etc.) are not done at this facility. If the doctor feels that you should have a balloon or stent placed on the day of your procedure with us, we will transfer you to the hospital by ambulance. If the intervention will be scheduled for a later date, your nurse will schedule the procedure for you, and you will receive instructions about the procedure before you leave.  
• You may NOT drive yourself home the day of the procedure. The doctor will not allow you to drive for 24 hours because you received medications to help you relax during your test, and because the doctor made an incision to your wrist or thigh. This is for your safety. If you cannot arrange for transportation home, your procedure may have to be scheduled at the hospital.  
• Please wear your glasses, dentures and hearing aids. Jewelry is fine to wear during the procedure, but you are encouraged to leave all valuables at home. 
• Please wear loose-fitting clothing that is easy to put on and is nonconstricting.   
• You will need to bring your insurance card and a picture ID with you.