Cardiac Catheterization

UM Shore Regional Health provides Cardiac Catheterization test in state-of-the-art laboratories at each of our UM Shore Medical Centers at Chestertown, Dorchester and Easton.

These tests can assess patients with blocked heart vessels or arteries, and conducts procedures that help diagnose the cause of heart problems. The Catheterization Laboratory is also capable of treating patients whose heart rhythms need correcting. Our cardiologists and experienced staff are committed to providing excellent personalized care in state-of-the-art facilities to outpatients from all counties in the region.

Prior to performing these procedures, the cardiologist will personally review your medical history along with any risks associated with the test/treatment. You will be provided with medications that are intended to relax you during the procedure but not "put you to sleep". The cardiologist will also discuss treatment options that are available to you. Patients must be referred to Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory by their physician.

Pacemaker or Defibrillator Implantation

A pacemaker can be used to replace the function of the natural pacemaker of the heart when the heart is beating too slowly. This small device sends out weak electrical impulses that cause the heart muscle to contract. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a small device that will monitor abnormal heart rhythms and automatically correct the abnormal rhythm.

Synchronized Cardioversion

A procedure in which a brief electric shock is given to the heart to reset the heart rhythm back to its normal, regular pattern. Often used as an emergency procedure to correct a fast heart rhythm that is causing low blood pressure, chest pain, or heart failure. Also, it is used in non-urgent situations to convert an irregular heart rhythm to a normal heart rhythm.

Pericardiocentesis

The heart muscle is surrounded by a protective fluid-filled membrane. For a variety of medical reasons, the fluid can build up and compress the heart constricting pumping action. A Pericardiocentesis is performed to remove excess fluid, reduce heart muscle constriction and evaluate the cause of fluid build-up.

Heart Catheterization

Also called a Coronary Angiogram, this minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure is done to study the arteries that bring blood to the heart muscle and to check the function of the main pumping chamber of your heart and your heart valves and pressures. A contrast (x-ray dye) is injected through the catheter to outline the arteries and to show any blockages or narrowings that may exist. Typically, patients are able to return home within eight hours of the completion of the study. Treatment options are discussed with you, your family, and your primary care physician.

UM Shore Regional Health Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
UM Shore Medical Center at Easton
410-822-1000 Ext. 5805

Participating in the American College of Cardiology's Implantable Defibrillator Registry