Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is one of the most common procedures performed on individuals who are experiencing troubling symptoms, such as chest pain or angina. A cardiac “cath” may be performed to determine if you have coronary artery disease (CAD) and, specifically, to precisely locate a blockage. In this regard, cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic procedure.

Dr. Tillinger performs diagnostic cardiac catheterization. For the convenience of patients, he uses the radial artery in the wrist for access, which is effective and more comfortable for patients than having the catheter inserted through the femoral artery in the groin.

However, if a blockage is found, the cardiologist may decide to provide treatment at the same time. Often, the treatment is angioplasty, in which a tiny balloon is inserted and inflated in order to open the blocked coronary artery. The cardiologist may decide that placement of a stent—a wire mesh tube—is needed to keep the artery permanently open.

Atherectomy, in which a tiny cutting tool is advanced through the catheter and used to remove plaque from the artery walls, is another treatment option.

Cardiac catherization is performed in a sterile lab, where the patient lies on a table, awake but sedated. The cardiologist uses x-ray equipment and video monitors to safely advance the catheter into place. A typical cardiac cath takes approximately one hour, after which patients usually remain in the hospital less than 24 hours.