• A physician order is necessary for this procedure. The physician’s office will call to schedule the procedure.
• Do not eat or drink after midnight before your procedure. Follow your physician’s instructions regarding your medication(s). If your procedure is scheduled later in the day, ask your physician about an alternate schedule for fasting.
• Bring an overnight bag because you may need to spend the night following your procedure. You may bring pajamas, change of clothes and toiletries.
• You may not be allowed to drive a day or so following your procedure, so transportation home from the hospital should be arranged prior to discharge.
• Bring a list of current medications. You may be asked to bring your own medications to the hospital.
• Your physician may prescribe an antibiotic medication to take prior to your procedure.
• Other tests such as blood tests, chest x-ray, myocardial perfusion study, EKG or echocardiogram may have been performed prior to the cardiac catheterization procedure.

During:

• In the Catheterization Lab you will be transferred to the procedural table.. The lab must be kept cool for the equipment to function properly, blankets are available if you feel cold.
• You will be connected to EKG cables to monitor your heart rhythm during your procedure.
• The access site (usually the right or left groin) will be cleansed and covered with a sterile drape.
• Medications or additional sedation may be given through your IV. Your physician will numb the access site using local anesthetics that will briefly sting.
• Your physician will then insert a sheath (similar to an IV) into the blood vessel in your groin through which the catheters (small tubes) will be inserted.
• The Left Heart Catheterization uses catheters to monitor intracardiac pressures, assess pumping function, and assess coronary artery disease. Contrast (dye) is injected through the catheters into your coronary arteries and digital images are acquired. These images are projected onto monitors for your physician to review and determine the presence of blockage in your coronary arteries. A larger amount of contrast may be injected into the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber of your heart) to determine the muscle function. This may cause you to feel warm and flushed.
• A Right Heart Catheterization uses catheters to measure intracardiac pressures, oxygen saturation, cardiac output, and valve function.
• Upon completion of your procedure the physician will remove all catheters. Most sheaths will be removed before leaving the Catheterization Lab using manual pressure to control and stop any bleeding. Arterial closure devices are available to minimize the time you will be restricted to bedrest. You will be transported back to your room for post procedural recovery.

After:

• Limit your activity for 24 hours. Fatigue is common for one or two days.
• Avoid heavy lifting or other strenuous activity for 24 hours, then gradually resume your normal activity as directed by your physician.
• A small bruise or lump at the site may be normal. Do not rub.
• Keep wound clean and dry. You may shower.
• Check site frequently. If you notice bleeding, apply firm pressure over the dressing and call your physician immediately.
• If you notice any of the following signs, call your physician:
  - Pain or discomfort in the chest area
  - Increased swelling, bruising or pain at the site.
  - Bleeding or drainage from the site.
  - Fever of 101 or greater
  - Any problems or significant changes.
• Remember your follow up appointment. Discuss any questions and concerns with your physician.
• Eat well-balanced meals. Follow physician recommended diets when specific instructions have been given to you.
• Take your medications exactly as directed. Do not make changes without your physician’s advise.