Cardiac Catheterization…anyone familiar with it?

Mmsfoxxie · ‎06-19-2010

Hubby is having this procedure in a couple of weeks. I haven't read that it's a serious procedure but anything dealing with the heart is of concern. Most articles make sure they mention that it's a regularly done, outpatient procedure to determine how to proceed with care moving forward.

“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore to be happy”. (By Nightbirde, singer of the song, It’s Ok)

amyb · ‎04-05-2010

Do you mean catheterization?

If so, my dad had one in the 70's, then again in the late 90's...world of difference he said, as they'd come a long way, even then. I'd imagine they've come farther by now. Even then he said the prep was much easier, and the whole thing easier, the second time around. They are pretty common.

Best wishes to an easy procedure for your husband, and that it does the trick for whatever it is fixing for him.

Mmsfoxxie · ‎06-19-2010

@amyb, yes. Oops, lol. Gonna try and change that spelling.

I just don't understand why it's outpatient, same day. Sounds like a very sensitive procedure.

“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore to be happy”. (By Nightbirde, singer of the song, It’s Ok)

amyb · ‎04-05-2010

@Mmsfoxxie wrote:
@amyb, yes. Oops, lol. Gonna try and change that spelling.

I just don't understand why it's outpatient, same day. Sounds like a very sensitive procedure.

I don't know, but I suspect, like many procedures now, they've updated and simplified so much that they are outpaitient procedures now. But inquire, have them explain.

I realize sometimes it's easy to be skeptical too, and think decisions are made due to budget or hospital room availability...but ask the questions you have of them.

I don't know a lot, and of course my dad had it so many years ago...but like I said, even then the difference in the 20 years between them was vast. It is quiet common as is open heart now as compared to back in the 70's, which my dad also had twice!

Thats Me · ‎03-09-2010

I haven't had one but my father and a brother did almost 20 years ago. I know they're performed sometimes before heart surgery. They can pinpoint blockages in arteries and remove the blockages before the surgery, so they can eliminate certain risks while the surgery is happening. I understand that stress tests are also used to test for blockages but, while no expert, I'd think the catheterization is much more precise.

There is some risk of perforation (similar to a colonoscopy or any procedure that involves scoping) but I don't think the risk is high.

Best wishes for good health to your husband!

ruthbe · ‎05-05-2016

I'm 63...had one a couple years ago. I have had issues with hypertension. Please remember everyone is different. Of course. Mine was outpatient. It actually wasn't too bad. Yes it is scarry.

Everyone was very nice and explained the procedure at each step. The nurse did shave the groin area before the procedure. When I actually went into the procedure room...it actually didn't take very long ...maybe less than an hour....but I didn't have a blockage...If the patient has a blockage...then it might take longer. When you are in recovery...you will have to lay flat or almost flat...The nurses keep checking the groin area....where the catheter entered your body...for excessive swelling or bruising. I believe I had to lay flat for at least 3 or 4 hours.

Also don't be surprised by a bruise in the groin area. But talk to the doctor....regarding this. I had one but it was NOT painful. Talk to doctor what is normal and npt normal. My bruise was normal....bur if it gets tooo big or painful...that is NOT normal. And return to ER.

For me.... If I had to do again..of course nervous....but not too bad. Best of luck and hope everything goes great..

Talk to your physician for the best information about what to expect and any complications....

Mmsfoxxie · ‎06-19-2010

Thanks @amyb and @Thats Me. In addition to what I've read and your posts, I'm feeling a little more at ease. They've already said he has Atrial Fibrillation so I wasn't understanding why they now want to do this. I should have went to the doctor with my husband, I guess.

“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore to be happy”. (By Nightbirde, singer of the song, It’s Ok)

ruthbe · ‎05-05-2016

I failed to add.....during one of my hospitalizations...I suffered a heart attack. The doctors performed a cardiac cath to check my coronary arteries. They were fine. The doctors decided that my heart attack was from my hypertension...it was so high it put stress on my heart. and caused the heart attack.

One thing to ask you doctor...(I have worked for a large health care system most of my adult life ...no not a nurse or doctor, I work on patient accounts)...sometimes if there is a blockage, depending on the extent of the blockage, the doctor might want to admit the patient...don't get scared...this just might be one of the questions to ask the doctor.

Mmsfoxxie · ‎06-19-2010

@ruthbe, I didn't see your post at first.

How did you feel post surgery. Did you feel tired and went to sleep after you got home or were awake but just tired? Thanks.

“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore to be happy”. (By Nightbirde, singer of the song, It’s Ok)

Blondie2022 · ‎08-08-2022

Had cardiac cathererization 3 weeks ago. Was awake during the procedure. You can go home the same evening. I am being treated with meds. They went thru my wrist. It healed quickly. I only had problems coming out of the sedation, so I stayed overnight and went home the next morning. It makes you thankful for all these people working on you. It takes a village. Nothing to be scared of. Just take it easy when you go home.