Located on the premises of Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center

• Cardiac Catheterization
• Coronary Angioplasty
• Pacemaker Implantation

Cardiac Catheterization

A cardiac catheterization is a special X-ray study of the heart to diagnose coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease refers to any abnormal condition of the arteries in the heart that interferes with obtaining adequate blood supply to the heart. Usually the culprit is a build up of fatty substances known as plaque.

A cardiac catheterization is also used to diagnosis such problems as: defective heart valves, disease in the muscle and congenital abnormalities.

During a cardiac catheterization a cardiologist inserts a long, thin tube into a blood vessel in the upper leg or sometimes the arm. The tube is directed by the cardiologist to the heart and into the origin of the coronary artery. Dye is then injected into the coronary artery while X-ray pictures are taken. A team of nurses and a radiology technician are working with the doctor to provide a safe and painless experience. Usually this procedure is done as an outpatient service, so you may plan to return home the same day.

There are special instructions that will be given to the patient prior to testing.

CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY (PTCA)

Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) is when your cardiologist uses a cardiac catheter with a small balloon attached into the narrowed coronary artery and inflating the balloon to open the blockage in the coronary artery.

Your cardiologist may decide to place a stent in a narrowing artery while performing balloon angioplasty. Stent placement is performed to keep the artery open for more adequate blood supply to the heart muscle. This procedure does require 24 hour observation so plan on staying over night.

There are special instructions that will be given to the patient prior to testing.

PACEMAKER IMPLANTATION

A pacemaker alters the heart rate to help meet your body’s needs. It does this by providing pacing that are much like the heart’s normal signals.

The pulse generator is usually implanted below the collarbone just beneath the skin. The leads are placed into the heart through a vein located near the collarbone; the tip of each lead is then positioned inside the heart. Which stimulates the heart to beat as it normally would do on its own.

There are special instructions that will be given to the patient prior to insertion.