Cardiac Catheterization Procedure

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Cardiac catheterization is a procedure performed on patients with an ongoing heart problem. This procedure is used to treat and diagnose heart problems by inserting a catheter through the wrist, neck, or in most cases, the thigh, to reach the heart. (Snopek, 2017) This is performed in an operating room often referred to as a “cath lab.” The cath lab is sterile for the patients’ safety. The catheter varies in size through length and diameter. The cardiologist will determine the size needed for the exam before preparing the room for the procedure. The size of the catheters are most commonly expressed by French number. French number can be explained by expressing that when the numbers increase so does the diameter of the catheter. Catheters …show more content…
First, the patient must be informed about the procedure and its risk. After being informed, the patient must sign an informed consent. (Torres, Norcutt, & Dutton, 2003) The radiologic technologist must question the patient for allergies to any medication along with iodinated contrast. The patient should be allowed to voice any concerns or ask questions pertaining the procedure. Prior to the procedure the patient must be NPO for four to eight hours. Before starting the exam the patient must dress down and into a gown while being sure to remove all artifacts including dentures. Upon removing the clothing the radiographer should also instruct the patient to empty their bladder. The insertion site must be scrubbed and shaved for the patients’ safety. The cardiologist may mark with a surgical pen the area they plan to insert the catheter. (Torres, Norcutt, & Dutton, …show more content…
Complications from this procedure can present themselves in the form of cyanosis, numbness, pallor, or an abnormally low temperature. The patient should inform their nurse if they notice any of these signs presenting themselves. To help avoid these symptoms the extremity with the insertion site must be kept straight, unmoved and no more than twenty degrees elevated. Evaluation of the legs movement should also be checked regularly. Every fifteen minutes the pulse of the affected extremity should also be monitored for up to an hour. After the first hour it should continue to be monitored every hour for up to twelve hours. The opposing side of the insertion site should be monitored for blood pressure in the same intervals as the pulse rate. If there is a reason the patients’ needs to move, adequate assistance is required so that no extra strain is put on the patient. The patient will be fatigued and must increase their fluid intake to prevent the risk of hypotension and dehydrated. (Torres, Norcutt, & Dutton,
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