Not all heart problems require open-heart surgery. Our patients may benefit from minimally invasive procedures like cardiac catheterization. In the Cath Lab, we can diagnose and treat a whole host of issues. A cath lab is where tests and procedures including ablation, angiogram, angioplasty and implantation of pacemakers / ICDs are carried out. Usually you'll be awake for these procedures. A cath lab is staffed by a team of different specialists, usually led by a cardiologist.
Balloon angioplasty
Coronary and left ventricular digital angiography
Coronary intravascular ultrasound
Stent implantation
Only your doctor and cardiologist can determine if you need a cardiac catheterization procedure. But common reasons for a visit to the Cath Lab are symptoms of chest pain, dizziness, fatigue or shortness of breath. These are the same symptoms that warn of a potential heart attack.
This procedure is sometimes performed to detect cardiac problems and sometimes to correct cardiac problems. This process involves less pain, low risk and fast recovery time.