PROCEDURES:

• Diagnosis left heart catheterization, Coronary and left ventricular angiography.
• Complete right heart catheterization: right heart hemodynamics, cardiac output (thermodilution), SAO2, aortic and mitral valve calculations.
• Peripheral studies, including: renal angiograms, superficial femoral artery angiograms, with abdominal runoff.
• Tilt-table studies.
• Intra-aortic balloon insertion, if needed, and temporary pacing capability (transvenous pacing).

APPROACH:

• Femoral approach.
• Radial approach.
• Brachial approach.

EQUIPMENT:

• Phillips x-ray equipment with ceiling-mounted C-Arm. We are a filmless cath lab with all angiograms recorded on CDs.
• Our hemodynamic monitoring system is state-of-the-art Series IV by Witt Hemodynamics.
• Intra-aortic balloon pump by Datascope.

HOLDING/RECOVERY:

• Four bed Telemtry Unit.
• All monitored with BP, EKG, and arterial blood pressure monitoring capabilities.
• All rooms have a television.
• Lunch will be provided, sandwiches and fruit for example, with juice, bottled water, milk and coffee.
• Rooms are large enough for ONE family member to stay with patient during recovery.

WHERE DONE/WHEN:

• Fort Myers - Monday thru Friday.

DIETARY CONCERNS:

• Nothing by mouth after 12 midnight prior to the day of the procedure.

CLOTHING:

• Wear comfortable shoes and loose fitting clothes.
• Bring or wear socks.
• Leave all valuables at home, i.e. jewelry, cash, credit cards.

MEDICATIONS (take/stop):

• A nurse will call you prior to the procedure to go over any medications adjustments.
• Bring all medications with you the day of the procedure.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE:

• Arrive at the Cardiac Cath Laboratory 1 hour prior to the procedure.
• The procedure can last 20 to 60 minutes.
• Your recovery time will be 5 hours.
• A responsible adult is required in the patients's attendance for the first 24 hours after the procedure.

Will they require someone to bring you home? Yes

How many people are allowed to be with them? One

OTHER NOTES:

• Appropriate Lab test and CXR (Chest X-Ray) work will be required before procedure is performed.