Local anesthesia will be used at the insertion site. A mild sedative may be given 1 hour before the procedure or through an IV during the procedure. This will help you relax.

Description of the Procedure TOP

During the procedure, you will receive IV fluids and medications. An EKG will be monitoring your heart's activity.

You will be awake but sedated so that you will be more relaxed. You will be asked to perform basic functions such as coughing, breathing out, and holding your breath. Tell your doctor if you feel any chest pain, lightheadedness, nausea, tingling, or other discomfort.

The catheter will be inserted into an artery in either the groin or arm. The insertion area will be cleaned, and numbed. A needle will be inserted into a blood vessel. A wire will be passed through the needle and into the blood vessel. The wire will then be guided through until it reaches your heart. A soft, flexible catheter tube will then be slipped over the wire and threaded up to your heart.

X-rays will be taken during the procedure to know where the wire and catheter are. Dye will be injected into the arteries of the heart. This will make the arteries and heart show up on the x-ray images. You may feel warm during the dye injection.

Insertion of Catheter with Guide Wire through the Groin

Once in place, the catheter can be used to take measurements. Blood pressure can be taken within the heart's different chambers. Blood samples may also be taken. Multiple x-ray images will be taken to look for any disease in the arteries. An aortogram may also be done at this time. This step will give a clear image of the aorta. After all the tests and images are complete, the catheter will be removed.

Sometimes, a balloon angioplasty and stenting will be done if there is an area in your arteries that is narrow or clogged. These procedures help to open narrowed arteries.

Finally, a bandage will be placed over the groin or arm area.

How Long Will It Take? TOP

The procedure takes about 30-90 minutes. Preparation before the procedure and recovery after it will add several hours to the total time.

How Much Will It Hurt? TOP

Although the procedure is generally not painful, it can cause some discomfort, including:

Burning sensation when the skin at the catheter insertion site is anesthetized
Pressure when the catheter is inserted or replaced with other catheters
A flushing feeling or nausea when the dye is injected
Headache
Heart palpitations

Pain medication will be given when needed.

Average Hospital Stay TOP

0-1 day

Postoperative Care TOP

At the Care Center

EKG and blood studies may be done.
If the catheter was inserted in the groin area, you will likely need to lie still in bed and flat on your back for a period of time. If the catheter was in your arm, you will likely be out of bed sooner.
A pressure dressing may be placed over the area where the catheter was inserted to help prevent bleeding. It is important to follow instructions.

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Do not lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous exercise or sexual activity for at least 5-7 days.
You can make lifestyle changes to lower your risk for further complications of heart disease. These include eating a healthier diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occur TOP

Contact your doctor if your recovery is not progressing as expected or you develop complications such as:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the catheter insertion site

Call for Medical Help Right Away If Any of the Following Occur TOP

Call for medical help right away if you have symptoms including:

Drooping facial muscles
Changes in vision or speech
Difficulty walking or using your arms
Change in sensation to affected leg or arm, including numbness, feeling cold, or change in color
Extreme sweating, nausea or vomiting
Lightheadedness
Chest pain
Rapid, irregular heartbeat
Cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
Weakness or fainting

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES:

American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Cardiovascular Society
http://www.ccs.ca

Heart and Stroke Foundation
http://www.heartandstroke.ca

References:

American College of Cardiology Task Force. American College of Cardiology/Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions clinical expert consensus document on cardiac catheterization laboratory standards: a report of the American College of Cardiology Task Force on clinical expert consensus documents. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2001 Jun 15;37(8):2170-2214.

Cardiac catheterization. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated September 2013. Accessed June 9, 2016.

Explore cardiac catheterization. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
January 30, 2012. Accessed June 9, 2016.

Preparing for cardiac catheterization, angiography, and electrophysiology studies. Cedars Sinai Hospital website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed June 9, 2016.

Last reviewed June 2016 by Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC
Last Updated: 5/11/2013

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