Cardiac Cath Lab

Arriving at Intermountain Medical Center

Reception & Admitting

Pre-Procedure Area

• Preparation for the procedure and initial recovery take place in the same area.
• First, you will change from regular clothes to hospital clothes.
• A registered nurse will perform an assessment, and you will be prepared for your procedure. This may include: having vital signs and weight measured, starting an IV (intravenous) line, drawing lab tests, possible urine sample.
• You can be provided with a warm blanket, and TV while waiting to be moved to the Cath Lab.
• Waiting times before your procedure starts will vary. The actual time your procedure begins will depend on longer or shorter procedure times and emergencies. We will make every effort to keep you informed if a delay occurs.
• Your family will be able to wait in your room during your procedure. No family will be permitted in the Cath Lab during the procedure.

Cath Lab Procedure Area

Post-Cath Recovery Unit

• Your recovery begins with individual nursing care - including pain management.
• Depending on your procedure and medical condition, you will typicaly recover in our Post-Cath Recovery Unit. Two hours or more of bedrest is required post procedure depending needs, type of anesthesia and the procedure performed.
• Family members can visit with you in the Recovery area.

Post-Procedure

• Recuperation:
• You will stay in bed for a period of time, which may include lying flat for several hours.
• A registered nurse will:
  • Take vital signs.
  • Treat any nausea/vomiting.
  • Manage pain, if needed.
  • Offer fluids.
  • Provide discharge education (both written and verbal) to you and to the person who is taking you home.
• Site Closure Device Information:
  The following special products may be used to seal the puncture site of the artery used during your procedure:
  • Angio-Seal: a device composed of a small collagen sponge and an absorbable anchor, connected by absorbable suture. This "sandwiches" the puncture between the anchor (inside the artery) and the collagen sponge (outside the artery). You may notice a possible pea size lump and mild tenderness to the touch at the procedure site.
• Prescriptions:
• Your cardiologist will provide any discharge prescriptions necessary.
• Going Home:
• You will be observed and made comfortable until you have met medical criteria.
• Depending on your needs and the procedure performed, many patients are able to go home the same day. If you have had a stent placed, plan on spending one night in the hospital.
• If needed, a staff member will accompany you out of the building when you are discharged. You may walk to your car, if feeling well enough, or be assisted in a wheelchair.