A Cath Lab, also known as a cardiac catheterization laboratory, is a medical facility equipped with specialized imaging and monitoring equipment used to perform cardiac catheterization procedures. Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat various heart conditions.

At Adhikari Lifeline Hospital, we have the best Cath Lab in Boisar. We understand that it is very essential for prompt diagnostics procedures for cardiac patients. In this blog, we will take a detailed look at what exactly a cath lab is, the procedures performed there, and how patients can benefit from the excellent cath lab facilities available at Adhikari Lifeline Hospital in Boisar. Let’s begin!

What is a Cardiac Catheterization?

A cardiac catheterization, often simply called a “heart cath”, involves inserting a thin flexible tube called a catheter into an artery or vein in the groin, neck or arm and guiding it into the heart chambers and coronary arteries under X-ray guidance. This allows Cardiologists to visually examine the structure and function of the heart. Some key uses of cardiac catheterization include:

• Detecting coronary artery disease or blocked arteries
• Measuring blood pressure and collecting samples from inside the heart
• Evaluating how well the heart is pumping blood
• Checking for abnormalities in heart valves or structures
• Performing interventions like angioplasty to open blocked arteries

Equipment and Facilities in a Cath Lab

A cath lab is a specialized medical room equipped to conduct cardiac catheterization procedures safely and effectively. Some of the key equipment and facilities include:

• Catheterization table for the patient
• X-ray equipment like angiography machines for imaging guidance
• Monitors to check the patient’s vital signs
• Specialized imaging systems like IVUS for detailed vessel views
• Equipment for interventions like balloon catheters and stents
• Scrub areas and surgical supplies
• Recording and viewing systems for live X-rays
• Recovery area for post-procedure care

Adhikari Lifeline Hospital’s Cath Lab in Boisar has state-of-the-art X-ray and monitoring equipment to perform even complex cardiac procedures with high accuracy and safety.

Cath Lab Team

Cardiac catheterizations are performed by an experienced team of medical professionals working together in the cath lab. The key team members include:

• Cardiologist – Guides the catheter and performs the procedure
• Nurses – Assist the cardiologist and monitor the patient
• Technologists – Operate imaging systems and vital monitoring equipment
• Anesthesiologist – Manages patient sedation and comfort
• Other staff – Perform pre and post-procedure care activities

The skilled team of Heart Specialists in Boisar at Adhikari Lifeline Hospital’s cath lab ensure procedures have the best possible outcomes.

Types of Procedures Done at Cath Lab

Some common types of procedures conducted in cath labs include:

• Diagnostic catheterization – To understand heart issues using imaging
• Angiography – Specifically looks at heart blood vessels using dye
• Angioplasty – Opens blocked arteries by ballooning or placing a stent
• Intravascular ultrasound – Provides highly detailed vessel wall views
• Hemodynamic assessment – Measures heart pumping efficiency
• Pacemaker or defibrillator lead placement – Install devices in the heart
• Biopsy – Takes a small heart tissue sample for examination

Adhikari Lifeline Hospital’s state-of-the-art Cath Lab in Boisar is equipped to perform all routine as well as complex cardiac catheterization procedures.

Benefits

Cardiac catheterization provides several important benefits when used appropriately:

• Minimally invasive option compared to open heart surgery
• Highly accurate at diagnosing heart conditions non-invasively
• Enables treatments like angioplasty and stenting during the procedure
• Allows for 3D vessel imaging with technologies like IVUS
• Provides live, real-time heart views under X-ray guidance
• Speeds up diagnosis and treatment timelines for patients
• Has lower risks than bypass surgery in many cases

Risks

While considered very low risk, cardiac catheterization can potentially cause some complications including:

• Bleeding, bruising or swelling at the catheter entry point
• Infection of the area where the catheter was inserted
• Irregular heartbeats during or after the procedure
• Allergic reaction to dye used for X-ray visibility
• Damage to blood vessels or arteries being examined
• Heart attack or stroke, though very rare with modern techniques

However, the experienced cardiologists and nurses at Adhikari Lifeline Hospital ensure patients have access to the latest technologies and procedures which minimize risks to the maximum extent possible.

Conclusion

In summary, a Cath Lab is a specialized medical facility essential for minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions. The state-of-the-art Cath Lab in Boisar at Adhikari Lifeline Hospital, paired with the great skills of their team of Heart Specialists in Boisar, empowers patients to benefit from life-saving cardiac procedures quickly and safely. If you need access to the best cath lab services for your heart health, feel free to book your appointment at Adhikari Lifeline Hospital- the premier destination for multispecialty healthcare in Boisar with highly experienced specialists.