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Catheterization laboratory

A catheterization laboratory, or cath lab, is a specialized room in hospitals equipped with imaging technology to visualize and treat heart conditions. It is staffed by a multidisciplinary team including cardiologists, cardiac physiologists, and nurses, who perform various procedures such as angioplasty and electrophysiology studies. The lab typically utilizes advanced digital imaging equipment for accurate diagnosis and treatment of arterial issues.

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3 views3 pages

Catheterization laboratory

A catheterization laboratory, or cath lab, is a specialized room in hospitals equipped with imaging technology to visualize and treat heart conditions. It is staffed by a multidisciplinary team including cardiologists, cardiac physiologists, and nurses, who perform various procedures such as angioplasty and electrophysiology studies. The lab typically utilizes advanced digital imaging equipment for accurate diagnosis and treatment of arterial issues.

Uploaded by

naeem.soomro13
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Catheterization laboratory

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Catheterization laboratory

German cardiac catheterization laboratory

Purpose visualize the arteries and chambers of the heart

A catheterization laboratory, commonly referred to as a cath lab, is an examination


room in a hospital or clinic with diagnostic imaging equipment used to visualize the
arteries of the heart and the chambers of the heart and treat any stenosis or abnormality
found.

Equipment
[edit]
Most catheterization laboratories are "single plane" facilities, those that have a single X-
ray generator source and an X-ray image intensifier for fluoroscopic imaging.[1] Older
cath labs used cine film to record the information obtained, but since 2000, most new
facilities are digital. The latest digital cath labs are biplane (have two X-ray sources) and
use flat panel detectors.[2]
Staff
[edit]
Cardiac catheterization laboratories are usually staffed by a multidisciplinary team. This
may include a medical practitioner (normally either a
consultant cardiologist or radiologist), cardiac physiologist, radiographer and nurse.[3][4]

Medical practitioner (interventional


cardiologist/electrophysiologist)
[edit]
The consultant cardiologist is responsible for gaining arterial access, inserting a sheath
into either the radial or femoral artery, passing a wire and catheter into the coronary
artery and selectively injecting contrast media into the coronary arteries. They then
interpret the images taken to ascertain where the narrowed or blocked artery has the
problem. They use a variety of techniques and imaging tools to measure the size of
things such as balloons and stents.

Cardiac physiologist
[edit]
Cardiac physiologists usually set up what is known as a transducer to monitor pressure
in the arteries. They also have a live view of the patients ECG so they can tell whether
or not there is a problem caused by the insertion of the catheter into the heart to the
electrical pathways.[5][6] The physiologist will also set up a temporary pacemaker if the
procedure is an angioplasty or a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Finally, they
also set up defibrillators on to the patient for emergency use if needed. In some
locations, some of these responsibilities may be carried out by other personnel, such as
trained nurses or technologists.[7]

Procedures
[edit]
Main article: Cardiac catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is a general term for a group of procedures that are performed
in the cath lab, such as coronary angiography. Once a catheter is in place, it can be
used to perform a number of procedures including angioplasty, PCI (percutaneous
coronary intervention) angiography, transcatheter aortic valve replacement, balloon
septostomy, and an electrophysiology study or catheter ablation. Devices such
as pacemakers may be fitted or rotablation to remove plaque can be performed.[8][9]

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