Cardiac Catheterization & Interventions

What Is Cardiac Catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization (heart catheterization) is a procedure used to diagnose and sometimes treat blockages in your heart’s arteries. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through a small opening in your wrist or groin and guided to your heart. A special dye is injected so your doctor can see your arteries on X-ray in real time. If a significant blockage is found, your doctor can perform an intervention during the same procedure to restore blood flow.

Why Is It Done?

Your doctor may recommend a cardiac catheterization if stress tests or other imaging suggest that one or more of your heart arteries may be blocked or narrowed. It provides the most detailed view of your coronary arteries and is considered the gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease. It’s also done urgently during or after a heart attack to restore blood flow to the heart as quickly as possible.

What to Expect

This procedure is performed at an affiliated hospital, not in the office. You’ll receive a local anesthetic where the catheter is inserted and a mild sedative to help you relax. Most patients are awake but comfortable. The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. You may feel brief pressure when the catheter is inserted and a warm, flushing sensation when the dye is injected. After the procedure, you’ll rest in a recovery area for several hours while the insertion site is monitored. Most patients go home the same day or the next morning.

How to Prepare

Your doctor will give you specific instructions, which typically include fasting after midnight the night before, arranging for someone to drive you home, and reviewing which medications to take or hold. Let your doctor know about any allergies, especially to contrast dye or iodine, and any medications you take, including blood thinners. You’ll receive a thorough pre-procedure briefing so you know exactly what to expect.