Heart Catheterization

Overview

Heart catheterization, also called coronary angiogram, is performed at Mayo Clinic by interventional cardiologists in state-of-the-art facilities. Patients with coronary artery disease, those experiencing heart attacks in an emergency situation, or children with a congenital heart defect can trust Mayo Clinic's tradition of teamwork and collaboration for fast diagnosis and expert treatment.

Heart catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure with many benefits over more complex, traditional surgery for patients who are candidates for the procedure. Rapid diagnosis and treatment for a blocked artery can occur within the same procedure. Generally, recovery time is shortened, and risk to the patient is reduced using this approach. In addition, angioplasty is faster to perform than bypass surgery, restoring proper blood flow quickly; less equipment and personnel usually mean less cost; and recovery time is significantly reduced. Many patients return home within one to two days.

At Mayo Clinic, dedicated interventional cardiologists are experts in heart catheterization and angioplasty. A patient receiving heart catheterization at Mayo Clinic can be confident in the physician team's diagnosis and recommendation for further treatment.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota
• Treatment of Children & Adolescents

What is heart catheterization?

Heart catheterization is a test to reveal blockages or plaques in the arteries within the heart. A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is threaded through an artery and into the patient's heart, where a special dye is injected. The dye reveals blockages when viewed with special X-ray equipment. Read more about heart catheterization.

Special Capabilities
The nature of heart catheterization — use of large machines, networks of computers and X-ray imaging — means that catheterization laboratories must have the latest technology and equipment.

Stereotaxis computerized magnetic guidance system.

One example at Mayo Clinic in Rochester is the new Stereotaxis computerized magnetic guidance system, which allows physicians to use magnets to remotely manipulate the wires and catheters during the procedure. New technology often has a direct patient benefit: in this case, the Stereotaxis machine makes it possible to perform more complicated catheterization or angioplasty, eliminating the need for surgery in some patients.

Read more at www.MayoClinic.com, a service of Mayo Foundation for Education and Research.

• Coronary angiography and other heart catheterization procedures
• Coronary angioplasty and stenting: opening clogged arteries to reduce chest pain and other symptoms
• Coronary artery disease