Cath Lab
Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
At Orlando Heart and Vascular, our Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab) is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat a variety of heart conditions. Our experienced team of interventional cardiologists and healthcare professionals performs minimally invasive procedures to evaluate and manage cardiovascular issues, ensuring the highest level of care for our patients.
Cath Lab
What is a Cath Lab?
A Cath Lab is a specialized area in the hospital where cardiologists perform minimally invasive diagnostic and interventional procedures on the heart and blood vessels. These procedures involve using a thin, flexible catheter inserted through blood vessels to examine heart functionality.
Why is the Cath Lab Important?
The Cath Lab is essential for diagnosing and treating heart diseases without open-heart surgery. These procedures help cardiologists gather critical information about the heart’s blood supply, valves, and chambers, enabling life-saving interventions like opening blocked arteries, repairing damaged valves, or placing stents.
Preparation
Before your procedure, your healthcare provider will review your medical history and perform any necessary pre-procedure tests. You may be asked to fast for several hours.
The Procedure
You will receive a mild sedative to help you relax. The doctor will insert a catheter through a blood vessel (usually in the wrist or groin) and guide it to the heart using X-ray imaging. A dye may be injected, a blocked artery may be opened, or a stent may be placed.
Recovery
After the procedure, you will be monitored for a few hours. Most patients can go home the same day, but your healthcare provider will inform you if an overnight stay is needed.
Benefits of Cath Lab Procedures
Cath Lab procedures provide advanced cardiac care with several advantages:
- ✔Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions mean faster recovery and less pain.
- ✔Faster Recovery: Many patients return home within 24 hours.
- ✔Accurate Diagnosis: High-quality imaging ensures precise heart condition assessment.
- ✔Life-Saving Interventions: Procedures like angioplasty prevent heart attacks.
When is a Cath Lab Procedure Necessary?
Your cardiologist may recommend a Cath Lab procedure in these cases:
- ✔Symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue.
- ✔Evidence of blocked coronary arteries.
- ✔A recent heart attack requiring immediate care.
- ✔Structural heart disease needing intervention.
- ✔Follow-up care to monitor stents or heart conditions.