The Cardiac Cath learning module is made
up of 6 parts or sections. You may navigate through the
pages by clicking on the green
arrows or numbers (above), the specific questions (below) or the gray menu items on the left.
Cardiac Catheterization (Cath) is most commonly performed by inserting a thin flexible tube into the right femoral artery which is located under the skin, in the right groin. Occasionally the right or left arm (brachial artery) or wrist (radial artery)approach may be employed (as shown below). Step-by-step, we will now walk you through a cardiac cath procedure.
Cardiac Catheterization Access Sites
What Preparations are Needed?
Cath may be performed
during a hospitalization (inpatient) or as an outpatient procedure, when the
patient is admitted and discharged on the same day of the procedure.
If an outpatient procedure is planned, the following checklist needs to be
followed:
Pack a small overnight bag in case you need to spend the night in the
hospital. Leave all valuables at home. Pack your contact lenses (with
solution) and eye glasses if you wish to view the pictures during the
procedure.
If the procedure is scheduled prior to noon, do not eat or drink after
midnight. Medications prescribed by your doctor may be taken with sips of
water. If the procedure is scheduled for the afternoon, you may be allowed to
have an early liquid breakfast (juice, tea, broth, water, etc.) prior to 7
a.m.
Make certain that you have directions to the lab and the time that you are
to report there. Call your doctor's office or the facility if you have any
questions. Also, make sure that you receive instructions about eating,
drinking, and the use of prescribed medications.
Diabetic patients, particularly those on insulin, need clarification about
the insulin dose and whether it will be used before or after the procedure.
Make arrangements to have a family member or friend drive you home. There
is a waiting area provided for their use.
If you are given lab results and Electrocardiogram (EKG) by your doctor, please be sure to give
them to the nurse when you arrive. Also, bring all your regular medicines (or
at least a list) with you.
The preparations are similar if you are already hospitalized on the day of
the procedure.
What Happens After Arrival in the Cath Lab?
You will check in at the admission desk
If you have not had recent blood work or an EKG, they will be obtained by the nurse.
You will receive instructions about the procedure and what is expected for
the day. Your doctor or office staff may already have discussed the procedure,
risks and indications with you. You will be asked to sign a consent form. Feel
free to ask any questions.
You will be questioned about your history, medications, and allergies. (If
you have an allergy to iodine and shellfish, or have had prior problems during
an x-ray procedure or cardiac cath, please be sure to notify the nurse.) You
will then change into a hospital gown.
Make sure that you empty your bladder before being taken to the cath lab.
The nurse will check your pulse and blood pressure.
The pulse area on your arm or leg may be marked with a felt-tip pen.
An Intravenous (IV) will be started
in your arm with the use of a small needle or plastic tube. This will allow
the administration of fluids and medications.
You may be given medicines (by mouth or IV) to help you relax.
When preparations are complete and the cath lab is ready, you will be
transferred there.
Shaving of the Groin
Groin being shaved
In the majority of cases, catheters are introduced through a tiny needle hole in the right groin. In such cases both groins are shaved in preparation for the procedure, on the outside chance that the other groin may have to be used. The movie (below, left) demonstrates this process. Click on the play button to view this, and the subsequent movies.
Transfer to the Cath Table
Patient being transferred on to the Cath table
The patient is ten transferred from the stretcher to the Cath table The Cath Lab technologists (Techs) and nurses help reassure the patient and explain the various things that the patient will experience.
Scrubbing the Groin
Scrubbing of the groin areas
The groin areas are scrubbed with an antiseptic solution.
Use of Sterile Drapes
Patient being covered with sterile drapes
The patient is covered with sterile drapes from the neck down . This is just another step in ensuring that the cath procedure remains sterile.
