What to Expect Before

Cardiac Catheterization

Prior to the procedure, you may be given a mild sedative to help you relax. An intravenous line (IV) may be started for administering medication. You will remain awake but comfortable throughout the procedure.

This procedure is done in a specially equipped room, called a cardiac catheterization (cath) lab. Normally you'll be taken to the cath lab on a movable bed and then shifted onto a table. This special table is also movable and has a large camera over it. This camera is a fluoroscope (fluoro) that takes video x-rays of your heart. There is other equipment in the cath lab, including viewing screens, heart monitors, and emergency equipment. Once on the table, you will be connected to several types of monitoring equipment and then covered with a sterile cloth.

A staff member will shave and cleanse the area where the catheters will be inserted. In most cases this will be the groin or right elbow area. To numb the area, a local anesthetic is injected into the skin with a tiny needle.

You may fall asleep during the procedure, but the staff will monitor you constantly.