Heart catheterisation
The heart catheterisation will take place on: ..………….day, …… - ……- 20 …
Prior to this, you are expected on the Beatrix nursing ward (4th floor) on: ..………….day,
…… - ….. – 20 … at ……. hours. |
Introduction In consultation with your cardiologist, it has been decided that you need a heart catheterisation. This brochure provides you with information about the examination.
What is a heart catheterisation?
A heart catheterisation is an examination performed to obtain a precise view of your coronary arteries or aorta. To obtain this view, a contrast fluid will be injected. The cardiologist (after administering a local anaesthetic) will puncture a vein or artery in your groin and guide the catheter through that vein or artery to the heart.
Preparation for the examination and admission
You are usually admitted the day
before the day of the heart catheterisation. You are expected on the Beatrix nursing ward (4th floor) by 14:00 hours on that day. Your stomach need not be empty.
If the heart catheterisation takes place on a Monday, you will be admitted on the same day. You are then expected on the Beatrix nursing ward (4th floor) by 08:00 hours on Monday morning. You may have a light breakfast on that morning.
It is also possible that you will be admitted several days in advance. If this is the case, it will be discussed with you.
You need to take your heart medication as usual unless your cardiologist has prescribed differently.
If you are
allergic to contrast fluid or substances containing iodine, you need to inform the cardiologist.
X-ray examinations during
pregnancy can be harmful to the unborn child. If you are, or could be pregnant, you need to inform your cardiologist as soon as possible.
Please arrange your transport home in advance.
You are not allowed to drive yourself after a heart catheterisation. What should you bring with you?
- the medication wich you should use during your admission
- a list of your medication
- your hospital registration card
- nightclothes and toilet requisites
The examination
It is recommended to go to the toilet just before the heart catheterisation. In principle, this is not possible during the examination.
The nurse will escort you to the examination room. During the examination you will lie on a an X-ray table that is narrower and a bit harder than your bed. After this, ECG stickers, used to monitor the heart rhythm, will be attached to your chest. Your groin will be disinfected. You will then be covered by a sterile sheet. You will receive an injection in the groin, locally anaesthetising the skin. This may hurt for a little while. When the anaesthetic has taken effect, the doctor will puncture one of the blood vessels in the groin (a vein or artery) and will insert a sheath.
Via the sheath, the cardiologist will guide the catheters through the bloodstream to the heart. As blood vessels do not contain nerves, you will not feel this at all.
The contrast fluid is then injected through the catheter. This may cause a warm, tingling feeling. The cardiologist will then take X-rays. If the doctor so wishes, a blood sample will be taken.
When all the X-rays have been taken, the cardiologist will remove the catheter. The puncture hole needs to be pressed close for 10 to 20 minutes. After this, a compression dressing will be applied. This will have to remain on for 4 to 6 hours in order to prevent possible subsequent bleeding. The total examination takes about an hour.
After the heart catheterisation
After the heart catheterisation you will be taken back to the ward. It is necessary that you lie flat on your back for a couple of hours for the groin to heal properly. In this phase, drinking more than you usually do helps remove the remaining contrast fluid through your urine. The leg to which the compression dressing was applied needs to remain still.
After a few hours, you may start walking under the supervision of a nurse.
For the next two to four days, you are not allowed to carry heavy objects, cycle, drive a car or swim. Neither should you walk up and down stairs if it is not completely necessary. In short, avoid exercise so the wound in the groin can heal properly.
About 2 weeks after the heart catheterisation, you will have an appointment with your cardiologist to discuss the findings of the examination.
Possible complications / temporary inconveniences:
- The places where the catheter was inserted into the groin can start bleeding after a few hours. You must immediately report this to the doctor or nurse so that he or she can press and dress it once again.
- Discolouration and/or change of temperature may take place. This too you should report to a doctor to have it checked.
- A contusion/brusing may form at the place where the catheter was inserted into the groin. This will disappear after a while.
- Heart rhythm deviation.
- Allergic reactions to the contrast fluid.
- Coronary artery spasms.
In highly unusual cases, the following complications may arise:
- Formation of blood clots that can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
- Damage to the blood vessel, possibly resulting in internal bleeding.
- Decline in kidney function.
- (Very seldom) death.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the secretary’s office of the Cardiology Outpatients’ Clinic via tel. 070 - 312 53 88 on working days, from 09.00 hours to 16.00 hours.
You can also ask us your questions to us via e-mail. Please state your name and date of birth when doing so. The e-mail address is cardiologie@bronovo.nl
Edition: May 2011/479