CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION LAB

The team of healthcare professionals at Mercy’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab use state-of-the-art equipment to perform a variety of Procedures.

Cardiac Catheterization involves the insertion of a catheter into an artery or vein and than inserted up to the heart.  Insertion into the artery allows the Cardiologist to assess the coronary arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, the left ventricle, which is the large chamber of the heart the pumps the oxygen-rich blood to the  rest of the body,  and the aortic valve, which when closed allows the left ventricle to fill with the oxygen-rich blood.

Insertion of a catheter into the vein allows the Cardiologist to assess the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary arteries. These work to carry the oxygen-depleted blood back to the lungs for re-oxygenation. The pressure and fluid levels in the lungs can be assessed to aid the cardiologist in patient treatment. 

Another procedure that is performed in the Cardiac Cath Lab is a Permanent Pacemaker. This procedure allows the Cardiologist to surgically implant an electronic device that tracks the heartbeat and, when necessary, generates electrical impulses similar to the hearts own beat. The electronic impulses keep the heart beating at a regular pace which in turn, helps maintain proper function. Pacemakers are programmed to each patients individual needs.