Q. What is a cardiac catheterization?
A. Cardiac catheterization is a test that will allow the doctors to determine more information about the structure of the heart and the pressures within the heart chambers. In certain cases, additional procedures (interventions) can be performed to fix an abnormality in the heart or circulation.
Q. How is a cardiac catheterization performed?
A. Once your child has checked into Dell Children’s, they will be taken to the Cath Lab, a room with specialized monitoring and x-ray equipment. Your child will be asleep for the procedure (sedated). They will be comfortable and in many cases they will not remember the procedure. Sedation will be provided by your cardiologist or by an anesthesia team. Numbing medication will be used before starting the cardiac catheterization.
The catheterization requires entry into the major blood vessels in the body. In most cases this means the blood vessels of the leg but it occasionally is the blood vessels in the chest or neck. A needle is used to introduce a long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter into the blood vessel. The needle is then removed. These blood vessels lead to the heart where the doctor will take pictures and make measurements.
Your child will be on a table with a special X-ray machine. Your doctor will inject a special dye through the catheter to view the different areas of the heart. Your doctor will use the information to assess your child’s heart condition and to discuss the next step in your child's care.
Q. How long is the cardiac catheterization?
A. The procedure generally takes two to three hours but can last longer. Your doctor, nurses and technicians will monitor your child closely and update you periodically on his/her progress. If you have a cell phone, feel free to bring it and give your number to the cath lab nurse who will be giving you updates. Your child will receive medication throughout the cardiac catheterization to alleviate pain and keep him/her sleepy. After the procedure your child will be transferred to the recovery room where he or she will be monitored for several hours. There is a possibility that your child might spend the night in the hospital if your doctor feels it is necessary.
Q. What should we bring to the hospital?
A. You should bring all registration information, including driver’s license, your child’s Social Security number and any paperwork given to you by your doctor.