Patient Information

Before the Procedure

Refrain from eating and drinking 10 to 12 hours before your procedure. Your doctor should advise you on whether you should take your medication that day.

If you are coming from home, you should check in at the registration desk at the main entrance of Prairie Heart Institute---Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Plan on arriving at least an hour before your scheduled catheterization.

Hospital professionals will make final preparations prior to the procedure and certain tests may be performed as ordered by your physician.

The Cardiac Catheterization Procedure

You will be in the cath lab for up to two hours.

When you arrive in the lab, staff members will help you onto the cath lab table. The area where the catheter is to be inserted, usually the groin area, will be shaved and thoroughly cleansed. EKG patches will be attached to your chest and legs so your heart rate and rhythm can be continually monitored.

You may receive a mild sedative to make you more comfortable during the procedure. If you feel any pain or discomfort, immediately notify our staff.

After a local anesthetic is used to numb the skin, a very small incision or puncture is made. Through this, the catheter (a small plastic tube similar to an IV line) is placed in your leg artery. The cardiologist then threads the catheter to the heart and uses dye to take pictures of your arteries. There are no nerves inside arteries so you will not feel the touch of the catheter. Some patients experience a warm sensation in the chest from the X-ray dye.

After the Cardiac Catheterization

When completed, you will be taken to a recovery area. Pressure will be applied at the groin puncture site until bleeding stops.

To minimize bruising, bedrest is required for up to six hours following your test.

If you are an outpatient, you may be able to go home the same day you have your procedure. It is very important that you have transportation arranged, and that you do not drive.

2008 Prairie Heart Cookbook