Instructions and Information for Procedures / Tests
Please Note - What you see here is for information purposes only. While physicians have been consulted on this information, your specific condition may require additional instructions. ALWAYS consult with your physician to obtain specific information about the procedure or the instructions for your procedure.
See All Tests and Treatments
Procedure Name: Cardiac Catheterization
Department Responsible for performing Procedure:
Cardiology
Department Contact Information:
(770) 991-8295
Where to Report:
Please enter at the Outpatient Entrance (view map) and go to the Admissions desk (view map) two hours before your scheduled procedure. You will be directed to the Outpatient Procedure Unit (view map) where you will be prepared for your procedure.
What to Bring:
- Physician Order
- Any forms from your physician relating to this visit
- Your insurance / Medicaid / Medicare card
- Driver's License / Photo Identification
- All of your medications OR a listing of all medications along with the dose, how often you take it, and the last time you took it
- A list of all of your allergies
- Please check with your insurance carrier for any authorization requirements.
- Any films or reports from relevant studies not performed at Southern Regional.
Patient Instructions:
- No food or drink after midnight the night before the procedure.
- Shower or bathe prior to your arrival the day of the procedure.
- A private area is available for changing at the hospital.
- Since you will receive medicine during your procedure to make you sleepy, a responsible adult driver MUST be with you to drive you home. You will NOT be allowed to drive yourself home or return to work after your procedure.
- Please read the Procedure Information for additional instructions and information.
Procedure Information:
This procedure provides a picture of your coronary arteries and your heart's pump function. The pressure inside the heart is measured and some information about the heart valves is also captured. When the test is completed you will know if you have any circulatory problems in your heart. A sheath is placed in a blood vessel in the arm or leg to feed a catheter toward your heart. You will not feel the catheter inside your body. X-ray dye is injected into the coronary arteries and observed under x-ray. You will be given a medication that will make you sleepy and help you relax. you will be awake so that you can assist us should we need you. The most uncomfortable part of the procedure will be the injection of the local anesthesia at the puncture site. This will sting and burn for a short time until it becomes numb. The area where the sheath is inserted will be completely numb. You will feel a little pressure, but this feeling will soon pass.
Additional Information:
You will need someone to drive you home. The waiting area (view map) is located in the Cardiology Department for family members. You can return to normal activities in a day or two. Your physician should send with you a complete history and physicial. You will be asked to sign a consent form before the test is performed.