Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

United Regional Health Care System offers our patients local cardiovascular diagnostics as well as the experts to properly treat the diagnosis. 

Our team of cardiologists, electrophysiologists, and experienced support staff will work to find a solution that will result in the greatest outcome to improve your quality of life.

Your cardiologist may refer you for cardiac catheterization if more detailed testing is required. This diagnostic test is used to evaluate heart function and detect blockages in coronary arteries.

During a catheterization procedure, you typically remain awake, or with minimal sedation with local anesthetic at the tube insertion point. This small tube/sheath is inserted into the radial artery in the wrist or femoral artery in the groin. Through the sheath, a catheter is guided to the coronary arteries using state-of-the-art imaging. The catheterization team then injects a contrast dye to determine blockages in real time. 

Once the diagnosis is determined, treatment options include:

• Medication to manage the blockage 
• Angioplasty and stents, using balloons and permanent implants to keep the artery open
• Coronary artery bypass surgery, recommended for severe cases

Catheterization can also be utilized for other cardiovascular procedures including:

• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
• Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO)
• Leadless Pacemaker Implantation

United Regional Health Care System utilizes the combined nature of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory as a one stop shop for cardiac diagnostics and surgery. These procedures are available for elective, urgent, and emergency patients with ailments regarding vein and arterial blockages, valve leakage, irregular heartbeats, and atrial fibrillation.