Cardiac Catheterization

How to Prepare for the Procedure
The Day Before the Procedure
The doctor will explain how the procedure will be performed, the risks, benefits, and the expected duration of hospital stay.
Informed consent will be obtained.
Routine blood tests and an ECG will be performed if they have not been done previously.
Inform the doctor about:
Any allergies (especially to iodine, X-ray contrast dye, or any pain relief medications).
Any history of stomach ulcers, recent strokes, or any previous bleeding.
Any plans for upcoming surgeries (such as eye, knee, or dental surgeries).
Any history of impaired kidney function.
It is recommended to shave the hair in the groin and pubic area, and also the right arm if there is abundant hair.
The Day of the Procedure
Arrive at the hospital at the scheduled time and check in at the admission or reception desk where the staff will make you comfortable in your room.
Fasting: You can drink water and have a light breakfast (such as cereal, eggs, toast, Milo) up to 4 hours before the procedure. Food will be provided after the procedure.
Medications: Bring all your medications with you.
Clothing: Come in casual, comfortable clothes and bring your toiletries and an extra set of clothes and underwear.
Where the Procedure Will Be Conducted
The test is usually performed as a day surgery procedure in the cardiovascular lab in the catheterization section of the radiology department (not in an operating room).
During the Procedure
The procedure is divided into two parts. The first part is gaining vascular access and the second part is obtaining images of the coronary arteries.
A local anesthetic is injected into the skin of the wrist or groin, causing a temporary tingling sensation. Once the site is numb, a small plastic sheath (2-3 mm) is inserted into the radial/femoral artery.
Through this small sheath, a catheter is inserted into the heart under X-ray guidance.
You should feel no more than minor discomfort in your arm as the catheter is moved up your arm, and sometimes a warm sensation in your body during the procedure.
This usually takes about 5 minutes to complete.
Before the Procedure
You will be asked to empty your bladder before the procedure.
You will wear a hospital gown and be brought to the catheterization department where your cardiologist and a specialized team of cardiac technicians, radiographers, and nurses will be ready to perform the procedure.
The nurse will record your height, weight, blood pressure, and insert an IV cannula into a vein in your arm.
You will lie on a movable X-ray table equipped with X-ray cameras and heart monitors.
Three electrodes will be placed on your chest and connected to an ECG monitor that will record the electrical activity of your heart during the test.
A mild sedative may be given to make you feel sleepy.
You will be covered with a sterile drape and the nurse will clean your wrist or groin (depending on the access site chosen by your cardiologist) with a cold antiseptic solution.
Facts About the Catheterization
It is a half-day procedure.
On the morning of the procedure, you will be asked to arrive at the day ward fasting for 6 hours.
The actual coronary angiography procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
If the results are normal, you will be discharged home after 4-6 hours in the day ward.
If stents are placed, you will need to stay one night in the ICU and another day in the general ward (if necessary).
It is not a surgical operation.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia. A mild sedative may be given if you are anxious.
The catheterization is not painful. The initial injection of the local anesthetic into the skin may be slightly uncomfortable, but the subsequent insertion of the diagnostic catheter should cause no more than minor discomfort and no pain.