Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat heart conditions. Sometimes called a “cath” for short, in involves inserting a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel and guiding it to the heart. While the idea of having a tube inserted into your heart might sound scary, cardiac catheterization is generally safe, and it can provide crucial information about your heart’s health.
Types of cardiac catheterization procedures
There are several types of heart catheterization procedures, each serving a different purpose:
Diagnostic catheterization: This procedure helps doctors see how well your heart is working. They can check for blockages in your arteries, measure the pressure inside your heart, and evaluate the function of your heart valves.
Angioplasty: During this type of heart cath procedure, a tiny balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated to open up blocked arteries. Sometimes, a small mesh tube called a stent is placed to keep the artery open. This procedure, called a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is often done on an emergency basis to restore blood flow during a life-threatening heart attack.
Biopsy: A small sample of heart tissue is taken to examine for diseases, such as myocarditis, cardiomyopathy and heart failure.
Valve Replacement: This minimally invasive procedure replaces a faulty heart valve without the need for open-heart surgery.
How long does a cath procedure take?
Cardiac catheterization is usually done in a hospital. Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville and NGMC Braselton both have specialized, state-of-the-art rooms called cath labs where these procedures are performed. For most diagnostic catheterizations, patients can go home the same day. However, if the procedure involves angioplasty or stent placement, you might need to stay overnight for observation. The total time spent in the hospital can range from a few hours to a full day, depending on the complexity of the procedure and your overall health.
Cardiac catheterization recovery: what to expect
How long recovery takes for a heart catheterization varies based on the type of procedure performed:
- After a diagnostic cath, you might need to rest for a few hours before going home. If the catheter was inserted through your wrist, recovery is quicker compared to insertion through the groin.
- For more complex procedures, like angioplasty, recovery can take a few days. You might feel tired and weak for a day or two after the procedure.
Here are some general healing tips:
- Rest: Take it easy for the first two days. Avoid strenuous activities like jogging, lifting heavy objects or playing sports.
- Wound care: Keep the catheter insertion site clean and dry. Avoid baths or swimming for a week. This will ensure both the skin and artery are fully healed.
- Activity: Gradually increase your activities until you reach your normal level within a week.
Will I need more treatment after a cardiac cath?
Sometimes, cardiac catheterization reveals issues that require further treatment. If blockages are found, angioplasty or stent placement might be done during the same procedure. In cases of severe heart valve problems, you might need a surgery or procedure to repair or replace your valve. If the catheterization shows significant coronary artery disease, you might need a heart bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
Understanding what to expect can help ease any anxiety you might have about cardiac cathprocedures. Always follow your doctor’s advice and ask questions if you’re unsure about any part of the process.
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