In 2004, University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center opened the first Cardiac Catheterization Lab (“Cath Lab”) in Geauga County. This state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory utilizes advanced imaging equipment enabling cardiologists to diagnose and treat various heart conditions such as the narrowing/blockage of the blood vessels leading to the heart. The lab also makes it possible to check the blood flow in the coronary arteries, blood flow/pressure in the chambers of the heart, and helps determine how well the heart valves work.
Heart Catheterization
A cardiac catheterization helps detect disease affecting the function of the heart's muscles, walls and valves as well as the coronary arteries that transfer blood to the heart. The purpose of the test is to pinpoint the size and location of fat and plaque (calcium deposits) that are restricting/blocking the flow of blood though the blood vessels. The test helps determine if bypass surgery or another type of procedure such as an angioplasty would be the most effective treatment option to open the blocked blood vessel.
How the Test is Performed
The patient lies down on a flat table under a large X-ray machine and multiple sensors are attached to the skin of the arms and legs. These sensors are attached to an EKG machine which will record the electrical activity of the heart. The patient is then given medication to help him/her relax and a small flexible catheter (tube) is inserted in the femoral artery near the groin. The catheter is then guided through the blood vessel to multiple positions in the heart. A small amount of dye will then be injected into the body and the cardiologist will watch while the dye moves through the blood vessels, looking for any blockages or problems.