Common Cardiac Catheterization Lab Procedures
**Coronary Angiography**
**Objective:** Visualize coronary arteries and detect blockages.
**How it works:** Contrast dye is injected into the coronary arteries, and X-ray imaging creates detailed pictures.
**Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting**
**Objective:** Open blocked arteries and keep them open using a balloon and a stent.
**How it works:** A balloon catheter is inflated to clear blockages, and a stent is placed to keep the artery open.
**Electrophysiology Studies**
**Objective:** Diagnose arrhythmias and other heart rhythm problems.
**How it works:** Catheters are used to map electrical signals in the heart and treat arrhythmias.
**Balloon Valvuloplasty**
**Objective:** Treat narrowed heart valves.
**How it works:** A balloon catheter is used to stretch and widen the valve.
**Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)**
**Objective:** Image arterial walls and detect plaque buildup.
**How it works:** An ultrasound probe located on the catheter provides images of the blood vessels.
**Benefits of the Cath Lab**
* **Minimally invasive:** Small incisions with faster recovery times.
* **Accurate diagnosis and treatment:** Real-time imaging helps guide clinical decisions.
* **Effective interventions:** Many heart conditions can be treated directly in the cath lab, reducing the need for major open-heart surgery.
