Cardiac Catheterization Lab

What is cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization, or cardiac cath, examines how well your heart is working. During a cardiac cath procedure, doctors can evaluate you for coronary artery disease (CAD), valvular heart disease, congestive heart failure or certain congenital heart conditions (present since birth).

The procedure begins with a small hollow tube, called a catheter, that is inserted in your groin or wrist. This tube moves through your blood vessels toward your heart. Once in your heart, your doctor can perform tests to diagnose your condition and even perform procedures to treat the problem.

You will be awake during the procedure; however, you will receive a small amount of sedating medication to make sure you are comfortable.

Our cath lab received a five-star rating in likelihood to recommend by 92 percent of our patients^*.

*Center for Patient Experiences Press Ganey Summary and Results, "Cath Lab Meijer Heart Center," June 2015

Catheterization Lab procedures

Traditional cath lab procedures access your heart through the femoral artery (or groin). This entry point requires that you remain in bed to ensure bleeding is controlled for two to six hours. A radial (wrist) access reduces bleeding complications and allows you to recover faster and move around sooner. Spectrum Health performs radial access on nearly 40 percent of our cases. Many individuals who have stents placed can be discharged the same day.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

When you visit the cardiac cath lab, you may be diagnosed with and treated for CAD, a narrowing or blockage of the arteries to your heart. Your doctor may call this a hardening or clogging in your arteries.

This can be life-threatening if left untreated, as your heart needs oxygen rich blood to work properly. Oxygen loss is what causes you to feel chest pain and pressure inside your chest. These symptoms can sometimes be confused with heartburn.

CAD may also be called atherosclerosis. This buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits (or plaque) happens over time. Once your heart is starved of the nutrients in your blood, you are at risk of having a heart attack.

Symptoms of CAD

Pressure and pain in the chest
Burning sensation of the chest and sometimes the upper abdomen
Shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, dizziness and sweating
Unexpected weakness, fatigue or nausea

Buildup of plague inside the artery wall — Buildup of plaque inside the artery wall.

Percutaneous coronary intervention for CAD

Your visit to our cath lab may have revealed you have CAD. This is a serious condition that often needs rapid treatment to open blocked arteries. The Meijer Heart Center’s cath lab can perform a percutaneous coronary intervention, or PCI.

PCI is also called angioplasty. This procedure restores blood flow to the heart without open heart surgery. Using the femoral or radial approach, your doctor will insert a special catheter with a tiny balloon at its tip. This catheter is guided to the blocked coronary artery. Once in place, the balloon is inflated at the narrowed area of the coronary artery. This presses the plaque against the sides of the artery, making more room for blood flow.

Once the artery is opened, your doctor may insert a stent, an expandable metal mesh coil, which helps keep the artery open.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a cath lab procedure take, and when can I go home?

A stent procedure typically takes between 30 and 120 minutes, depending on your specific condition. Expect to stay overnight in the hospital and return home the next day. This can vary. Some patients (often those getting planned or elective catheterization) return home the same day, while others may spend up to three days in the hospital.

When can I return to my daily routine?

Your cardiologist will advise you based on your condition and specific needs, but most patients can return to work and follow their normal routines in about one week.

What if my arteries narrow again?

If this happens, you may experience symptoms similar to those you experienced before your cath procedure. These may include chest pain or shortness of breath. Inform your cardiologist immediately, as you may need additional treatment.

Valet Parking

The Meijer Heart Center offers valet parking, at no charge, for patients entering our cardiac cath lab for diagnostics or treatment. We also offer comfortable waiting areas for those accompanying you during your visit. We are dedicated to helping you navigate our hospital with the least stress possible.

Open heart surgical backup and multidisciplinary specialists

What if you unexpectedly need emergency help during your catheterization procedure?

We are the only center in Grand Rapids that offers immediate open heart surgical backup in case of emergencies. The cardiothoracic surgical team is just seconds away, which means you will never need to leave Meijer Heart Center.

Seek out Spectrum Health for advanced life-saving expertise. Our cath lab offers the latest procedures to treat:

Chronic total occlusion — to open a complete, long-lasting blockage of the coronary artery.
Severe heart attack — partnering with regional hospitals and EMS (emergency medical service) to treat patients in our cath lab fast!
Atrial fibrillation treatment options — allowing patients to discontinue blood-thinning medications.