Cardiac Catheterization Lab

A cardiac catheterization allows a cardiologist to see instant moving images of your heart. These images show the pumping function and can identify blockages in the arteries that feed the heart muscle. The purpose of the procedure is to diagnose patients who have various forms of heart disease. It usually takes about 30 minutes and is generally painless. Pacemaker and AICD (automatic internal cardiac defibrillator) insertions are performed in the lab in addition to catheterizations.

After the diagnostic test is complete, your cardiologist reviews all the images to determine if there is narrowing or blockages requiring further treatment. Our team then determines if the problem can be treated with medicine, a therapeutic interventional procedure, or bypass surgery.

To learn more about the Heart and Vascular Institute and cardiac catheterization, please call 443-643-3729.