Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
Access lifesaving diagnosis and treatment
Cardiac catheterization is a safe, relatively quick procedure for diagnosing and treating certain heart conditions without open-heart surgery. Prisma Health’s advanced, 24-hour cardiac catheterization labs treat these conditions before they become larger problems such as heart attack or stroke.
During the procedure, your cardiologist inserts a thin plastic tube (catheter) into an artery or vein in the arm or leg. From there, it advances into the heart or coronary arteries. Your cardiologist can check for a heart defect, narrowed or blocked blood vessels, valve problems, and measure oxygen and pressure in your heart. Your cardiologist may be able to treat the problem at the same time, such as inserting a stent.
Our cardiologists and cardiac nurses will make sure you feel calm and comfortable during your procedure.
Cardiac catheterization procedures
In addition to diagnostic tests, cardiac catheterization is used to perform procedures as well – often at the same time as your test.
- Ablation for an irregular heartbeat
- Angioplasty and stenting for peripheral artery disease and coronary artery disease
- ASD/PFO closures
- Balloon dilation for aortic conditions
- Biventricular pacemakers
- Blood clot removal
- Cardiac defibrillator implantation
- Closure of valve leaks
- Drug-eluting stents
- Mitral valve repair
- Permanent pacemakers, such as the Watchman™
- Plaque removal
- Transcatheter valve replacement (TAVR)
- Valvuloplasty procedures
- Ventricular assist devices