Cardiac Cath Lab

Your procedure has been scheduled at CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Cardiology cardiac catheterization laboratory because ours is a specialized facility. Our equipment and our staff are dedicated exclusively to the cardiac cath procedure.

Because we are dedicated to cardiac catheterizations, we can keep a more reliable time schedule to ensure your procedure is done on time and we can offer more personal attention to every patient.

When to Arrive

It is important that you arrive at your scheduled appointment time. Because you will be given medication during this procedure, you will not be able to drive yourself home. Please bring a companion to drive you home after your procedure.

Your Procedure

Although you will be with us for 3 to 4 hours, the actual cardiac cath procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes and rarely takes more than an hour. The procedure is done using a local anesthetic and a mild sedative to help keep you comfortable and relaxed.

The purpose of a cardiac cath is to assess the blood supply to your heart muscle and to determine the condition of your heart.

How it Works

To acquire information about your heart's pumping chambers and blood supply a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery in your groin, or your wrist. The area where the catheter enters will be treated with a local anesthetic to numb the area.

The catheter will be guided through your arteries to your heart. Special x-ray equipment will be used to help guide the catheter. Once the catheter is in place, small amounts of x-ray dye will be injected so your physician can see if the arteries to your heart and the heart's pumping chambers are functioning properly.

After Your Procedure

When your procedure is over, you will be taken to a private room for 1-2 hours of bed rest. You can watch television and your family can visit you during this time.

While you recover, the physician who performed the cath procedure will talk with you and your family about the results of your procedure. Any follow-up or any further treatment recommendations will be discussed with you at that time.

Your Medications

Certain medications may need to be discontinued before your proceudre and diabetic patients will have to follow certain guidelines. If you did not receive specific instructions about your medications when your procedure was scheduled, or if you have any questions about your medications, please call our office.

Discomfort and Complications

There is very little discomfort. The local anesthetic injection causes a burning sensation for a few moments; the dye injection may cause a brief warming sensation or "flushed" feeling in your body.

Remember, the actual procedure often lasts less than 30 minutes. Complications are rare (about 1 in 500), and we are equipped to handle most complications right here.

How to Find Us

Saint Joseph Office Park
1401 Harrodsburg Road
Suite A300
Lexington, KY 40504

Cath Lab: 859.276.6622
Main Office: 859.276.4429

Feel free to call if you have any questions. Remember, cardiac catheterization is our specialty, so our staff is experienced, knowledgeable, and happy to answer your questions.