General Information
We are pleased to offer the following tests for invasive evaluation and therapy for specific illnesses. All invasive tests must be performed in an approved, outpatient or inpatient cardiac catheterization suite. They can be scheduled after consultation with one of our physicians to perform the appropriate diagnostic or therapeutic procedure in a variety of convenient locations. Not all procedures are available at all locations, nor are all procedures covered by insurance at all locations. Insurance approval and scheduling can be done through the office at the time of consultation.
Invasive Catheterization Evaluation
Purpose
Cardiac catheterization is an invasive examination where after appropriate sedation and local anesthesia, catheters are threaded from an arm, neck, or leg artery and/or vein into the heart and great vessels to measure pressures and/or oxygen content within that cardiac chamber or vessel.
Preparation
This examination usually requires approximately 30 minutes. It requires arrival at the appropriate facility approximately 90 minutes before the scheduled exam with the patient fasting for four to six hours prior to the test. Aspirin and other platelet inhibitors are not normally restricted prior to the exam, but other forms of anticoagulation may be restricted and the patient must check with the physician prior to the test for specific instructions. Appropriate gowns and clothing will be provided during the test. Iodine or shellfish sensitivity should be brought to the attention of the healthcare providers before the test is performed.
Purpose
This invasive examination occurs with the injection of iodine-based contrast dye into the artery to further outline and detect vascular abnormalities in that vessel.
Preparation
Angiography is performed as part of cardiac catheterization when appropriate. No other special preparation beyond that described for cardiac catheterization is needed.
Purpose
This invasive examination involves placement of catheters within the heart to assess the electrical system function of the heart. Attempts to provoke an abnormal cardiac rhythm with pacing, intravenous medication, etc. may be attempted concomitantly.
Preparation
This examination normally requires approximately 60-120 minutes. It must be done in an approved facility with specialized technician training and equipment. Patient preparation is similar to that for cardiac catheterization (refer to Cardiac Catheterization Preparation above)
Purpose
This examination involves placement of a scope through the pharynx after appropriate sedation and anesthesia to then image the heart and great vessels with the use of ultrasound. It is done to assess valve function, cardiac muscle
function, possible cardiac tumors or masses, etc.
Preparation
This test can be performed on an in or outpatient basis. It requires arrival approximately 60 minutes prior to the test in an outpatient facility. The patient must be fasting for at least 8 hours prior to the test. No other special preparation or clothing is required. No medications need be held prior to the examination.
Invasive Therapeutic Intervention
Purpose
These therapeutic procedures, in general, involve reestablishment of improved blood flow to the downstream organ by placement of a stent, balloon inflation, or atherectomy procedure. They are performed after angiography has documented that percutaneous intervention is appropriate and technically possible.
Preparation
Preparation for these tests is similar to that for cardiac catheterization (refer to Cardiac Catheterization Preparation above). These procedures must be done in an approved specialized facility.
Purpose
Pacemakers or defibrillators are implanted to provide improved control on individual patients with rhythm disorders. Pacemaker implantation can be used to improve slow or absent cardiac rhythms or improve cardiac muscle performance. Defibrillators are used to convert rapid, possibly lethal cardiac rhythms back to normal rhythm by the process of shocking the heart back to an electrically normal rhythm.
Preparation
These procedures must be done in an approved facility, usually on an inpatient basis. Preparation is similar to that for cardiac catheterization (refer to Cardiac Catheterization Preparation above).
