Cardiac Catheterization Lab
Diagnostic and interventional coronary and peripheral arterial procedures are performed in the Cath Labs. Flagstaff Medical Center and Verde Valley Medical Center are two of only 20 percent of all hospitals in the United States that perform coronary interventional procedures.
The Cath Lab team consists of board certified cardiologists, specialty-trained nurses, and radiologic technicians. The same staff members care for patients before and during a procedure. The staff is committed to working cooperatively with the patient and the family to provide individualized care.
During an emergency, interventional cardiologists work closely with a team of highly professional staff and local EMS personnel to ensure rapid response protocols are followed. When a heart attack is identified by EMS personnel prior to hospital arrival, the patient can be taken directly to the Cardiac Cath Lab for emergency intervention, decreasing the door-to-procedure time. The quicker the heart attack artery is unclogged, the more heart muscle is saved.
- Diagnostic procedures are noninvasive and are used to assess and diagnose patients for coronary disease.
- Balloon angioplasty, stent placement and other devices are designed to treat coronary artery disease.
- Peripheral vascular interventional procedures are used to evaluate and treat diseased blood vessels outside the heart.
Catheterization Procedures
During a cardiac catheterization procedure, a physician guides a thin plastic tube called a catheter through an artery in the arm or leg into the heart and the coronary arteries in the heart. Dye is injected through the catheter into the coronary arteries. This test can measure blood pressure and how much oxygen is in the blood, and detect any blockages which may need to be repaired through interventional means. Procedures include:
- Diagnostic right and left heart catheterization
- Percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
- Coronary artery stent placement
- Direct angioplasty for treatment of acute myocardial infarction
- Intravascular ultrasound
- Intra-aortic balloon pump
- Pacemaker placement
- Procedural education
- Diagnostic peripheral arterial catheterization
- Percutaneous peripheral arterial intervention (stent placement, angioplasty, limb salvage)
- Diagnostic and intervention peripheral arterial procedures
To make an appointment with one of our world-class physicians, call 877 928-WELL.
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