Invasive Cardiologists:

Kevin Browne Jr, MD

John Canto, MD

Lazaro Diaz, MD

Douglas Ebersole, MD

Jorge Gonzalez, MD

Neal Kavesh, MD

Joseph Massaro, DO

Mark Mines, MD

Sean O’Rourke, MD

Christopher Simek, MD

Interventional Radiologists:

John Bradshaw, MD

Evan Chambers, MD

Carol Ebersole, MD

Catheterization means using a small, flexible, plastic tube to inject dye into an artery, while taking x-rays, to see if there is an obstruction in the artery. Angiogram is another word that means the same thing. Watson Clinic can perform heart catheterizations, carotid angiograms (arteries that go to the head), renal angiograms (arteries that go to the kidneys), aortograms (the main artery that travels through the chest and abdomen), and peripheral angiograms (arteries that go to the arms or legs).

You may have had symptoms of inadequate blood flow or a positive stress test that you and your doctor have discussed. For example, you may have had symptoms of angina, and your doctor may have recommended that you get a heart catheterization. Perhaps you have had symptoms of a stroke, and your doctor has suggested that you get a carotid angiogram. In both cases, a catheterization can show if there is a blockage in those arteries.

After you have fasted the night before, the Heart and Vascular Institute staff will get you ready for your procedure. You will have an IV placed in your hand or arm, so you can receive fluids as well as medicine to help you relax. Your groin area will be shaved prior to the procedure, and you will watch a short video about the procedure. When you go to the procedure room, the doctor will use local anesthesia to numb the skin over the artery in your groin. You will be given some medication through your IV to relax you. The doctor will then place a short catheter, called a sheath, into the artery. Long, thin, hollow, plastic tubes called catheters are then inserted through the sheath. When the catheter is in place, dye is injected into the artery while an x-ray movie is made. You probably won’t feel these pictures being taken. When the doctor is finished taking pictures, the catheters are removed. The sheath is then removed by one of the cath lab staff, and you will be asked to lie in bed for about two hours afterward. The total time you will spend at the clinic for your procedure and recovery is probably about six hours.

Your doctor will speak with you before you go home the day of your test. He or she will also speak with a family member if you wish. You can discuss the results of the test and develop a plan together. Depending on the location and severity of any blockages, your doctor may recommend medication, angioplasty/stent, or surgery. Angioplasty, stenting, and surgery can be scheduled at LRMC. If there are no blockages, you may follow up with your primary care doctor to discuss other reasons for your symptoms. A copy of the test results will be sent to your family doctor as well as your surgeon or cardiologist.

It is recommended that for 2 days following your procedure, you do not do heavy lifting, bending, or driving. After this time, most people can resume their previous level of activity.

You can always call your doctor if you have questions about your health. If you have questions about your catheterization, you may call the Heart and Vascular Lab staff at 680-7707 from 7:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday - Friday.

Contact person: Teresa Weeks RN, Manager (863) 680-7437