Download A Guide To A Cardiac Catheterization (Heart Cath)

A Guide To A
Cardiac Catheterization
(Heart Cath)
This guide is intended as a resource to help
you understand what to expect during your test.
Each patient may have different experiences. If at any time
you have any questions, please ask your doctor or nurse.
About The Procedure
The doctor has determined that you need a Heart Cath. This is a special kind of xray that allows your doctor to see the blood flow through your coronary arteries
and the inside of your heart as it pumps.
Before The Procedure
♥ Written teaching materials and a video are available to you and your family.
♥ If you are an outpatient, your doctor’s office will confirm your procedure date and time.
Information
♥ If you are an outpatient, please arrive at the hospital at least 1 1/2 hours prior to your scheduled
appointment time.
♥ You will be asked to read and sign a consent form.
♥ Up to 2 family members may stay with you until it is time for the test.
♥ Bring ALL medications that you are currently taking.
♥ Tell the nurse if you have any allergies.
♥ A heart cath takes 30 to 60 minutes. Each test time varies. Exact start times are hard to predict.
We try to begin your test on time but doing a thorough test is important to you and us. Be
assured that a delay means good care for you and other patients.
Diet
♥ Do Not Smoke for 24 hours before the procedure.
♥ Do Not eat or drink anything after midnight.
♥ If you are an outpatient, ask your doctor which medications you should take the evening before
the test.
♥ Take your morning pills with sips of water only, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Comfort
♥ Get a good night’s sleep.
♥ The evening before the test, take a shower or bath.
♥ You may wear your glasses and hearing aids.
♥ You will need to wear a hospital gown and remove all clothing, including underwear.
♥ Please leave personal belongings and valuables at home.
Equipment/Testing
♥ Please use the restroom just prior to being transported to the cath lab.
♥ You will be taken to the Cath Lab on a wheeled cart.
♥ An intravenous (IV) catheter will be started in your hand or arm so fluid or medication can be
given as needed.
♥ An Electrocardiogram (EKG) may be done.
♥ Bloodwork may be drawn.
♥ A physical exam will be done.
Information
♥ Your family will accompany you to the Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab) and wait in the Family
Comfort
During The Procedure
♥ Medication may be given to help you relax.
Waiting Room
♥ A staff member will remain with you during the heart cath.
♥ Let the staff know how you are feeling and if you have any pain, discomfort or shortness of breath.
♥ Tell the doctor or nurse if you feel chest pain, discomfort or shortness of breath.
♥ Once inside the Cath Lab, you will be helped onto a narrow x-ray table. The room may feel chilly
and look dark. A x-ray machine will be above you. Other equipment and monitors will be located
along the walls.
The nurse will apply:
♥ Small EKG pads on your chest so the staff can watch your heart rhythm.
♥ A small clip on your finger to measure your oxygen level.
About the procedure:
♥ The doctor will determine the site through which he/she will insert the cardiac catheter. The site
Equipment/Testing
will be either your arm or groin. The most common site is the groin.
♥ The site where the catheters will be placed will be washed with an antiseptic and may also be
shaved to help prevent infection. Some people may have allergies to certain antiseptics. Let the
staff know of these allergies.
♥ The site will be draped for privacy and you will be covered with a sterile sheet unless you are
instructed otherwise.
♥ Numbing medicine will be injected into the skin at the site where the doctor will later insert the
catheter. This will feel like a bee sting.
♥ A small needle will puncture the skin to expose the blood vessel (artery). Because you will have
already been given numbing medicine, this will not feel painful. You may feel some pressure.
♥ Your doctor will then place a small hollow tube (sheath) in the blood vessel. A small tube called a
catheter will be inserted through the sheath and guided into your heart. This catheter is a long,
flexible tube, no wider than a refill cartridge to a ball point pen.
♥ When the catheter reaches the heart, dye will be injected. Your doctor will take pictures of the
walls and chambers of your heart and of the heart’s coronary arteries.
♥ When the dye is being injected, you may feel hot and flushed for about 30 seconds. This is
normal. The feeling will pass quickly.
♥ The catheterization will take about 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete. The catheter will be
removed when it is over.
Comfort
Information
After The Procedure
♥ Your cardiologist will tell you and your family the results of your test and the recommended course
of treatment.
♥ You and your family will be escorted back to your nursing unit or the recovery area.
♥ You will be allowed to eat and drink after the test. Drink plenty of fluids and water. This will
help flush the dye from your body.
♥Most patients experience minimal discomfort. If you have any discomfort, please tell your nurse
right away.
♥There are several methods to close the catheter puncture site in the artery: Your doctor will chose
the method which is best for you.
ƒ
Pressure and Bedrest: The staff will place firm pressure over the site or place a pressure
device (clamp) to stop the bleeding. You will be told to keep your arm or leg straight (no
Equipment/Testing
bending) for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours. This is time needed for the blood vessel to begin
to heal where the catheter was placed. You may not bend, turn or sit. You will need to ask
the nurse for a bedpan or urinal during this time.
ƒ
Stitches or clip at the puncture site: Stitch(es) are placed where the catheter went into the
artery. Because of the stitch(es), you may be able to get up right away or be asked to
remain on bedrest for only a short time (2 hours or less). A small amount of oozing may
occur at the cath site.
ƒ
Collagen Plug: A substance (collagen) is placed as a plug in the puncture site to stop the
bleeding. You may feel a pea sized lump until your body breaks down the collagen (~1-3
months). You will be asked to stay on bedrest for several hours after the test.
♥ Tell your nurse right away if you notice any bleeding or wetness at the cath site, pain or
numbness.
♥ Your IV will stay in until your doctor requests that it be removed or before discharge.
Discharge Information
♥ You must have someone drive you home, preferably someone who can drive after dark.
♥ A bruise or small lump under the skin at the insertion site is common. These usually disappear within a
few weeks.
♥ You must not smoke for 24 hours following the catheterization. Smoking irritates the blood vessels.
You are strongly encouraged to stop smoking after discharge.
♥ You will receive wound care and activity information before discharge.
Copyright, 2000 OhioHealth,
Columbus, Ohio 9/2003
1200288