Cardiac Catheterization

A cardiac catheterization (angiography) allows your doctor to view the inside of your coronary arteries to look for blockages. You are awake during the procedure but you will be given medicine to help you relax and lie still during the procedure.   Under local anesthesia in your groin,  a small tube is placed and advanced to your heart.  An x-ray contrast is injected and pictures are taken.  Depending on these pictures, you may need further treatment with angioplasty, stents or bypass surgery. Sometimes the arteries will have very little or no blockage and you will be allowed to go home after a short recovery period.  

Click here to see Dr. Siachos and guest physician Dr. Oz discuss the process of a cardiac catheterization inside the new St. Francis Cardiac "Cath" Lab.

How do I prepare for a cardiac catheterization?  

Your physician will explain the procedure to you during an office visit.  Typically, patients are instructed to have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before their procedure.  If the test is scheduled for later in the day, you may be allowed to have a light breakfast. Sometimes patients with very high blood pressure and/or diabetes are given special instructions in regards to their medication.   It is very important to follow the instructions given to you at the time the catherization is scheduled. You should bring all of your medication with you to the hospital.