Cardiac
Catheterization Laboratory
A common non-surgical outpatient procedure to diagnose blockages in
the blood vessels of the heart, this procedure is performed using
an oral sedative to relax the patient. After giving the patient a local anesthetic, a small
diameter, long flexible tube called a catheter is advanced from the
blood vessel in the groin to the blood vessels of the heart.
Then, by using a contrast dye, multiple X-Rays of the blood vessels
and main chamber of the heart are performed. When the test is
completed, the catheter is removed by a closure device, or by hand
pressure, and the patient is discharged home in 3 – 4 hours.
Exercise Stress Test/Stress EKG
By recording the heartbeat during exercise performed on a treadmill,
this test helps the doctor to evaluate the cause of chest pain (low risk category) or
shortness of breath. During this test, small pads are place
on the patient’s chest and connected to an EKG monitor.
Then, the heart rate, blood pressure and EKGs are monitored during
exercise.
Cardiac Pet Scan
This is a way of checking blood flow through the heart muscle and
to detect blockages in the blood vessels of the heart. A tracer
(a small amount of radioactive material) is administered through an
IV in the patient’s arm. A camera scans the tracer in the
blood as it flows through the heart muscle before and after exercise.
If the patient cannot exercise, a drug is used to substitute for exercise.
The radioactive material allows the camera to detect parts of the
heart that are not getting enough blood because of narrowed, blocked
or damaged arteries.
Echocardiography
Safe and painless, this test determines the size of the heart and
how well the heart muscle and valves are working by using harmless
sound waves. A transducer (a device that looks like a microphone)
bounces these sound waves off the heart, which are changed by computer
into images on a TV screen.
Vat (Vestibular Dysfunction) Studies
A diagnostic test for Dizziness, Balance, Gait, Fall Prevention, Vision and Hearing.
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Holter/Event
Monitor
Used in patients with palpitations or passing out spells, this test
places small pads on the patient’s chest, which are connected
to a small monitor (the size of a pager) for 24 hours. The patient
is provided with a diary to record symptoms and sent home after being
asked to press a button whenever these symptoms occur. The doctor
then correlates the symptoms recorded in the diary with any particular
arrhythmias in the computer.
Chest Pain Evaluation
Our center provides comprehensive services between the hours of
8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to patients with chest
pain in a “low risk” category.
Peripheral Balloon Angioplasty, Stents & Athrectomy
Patients with blockages in the arm, leg or kidney arteries can have above procedures performed here in our Cardiac cath laboratory.
EECP Treatment
The EECP procedure is a non-invasive outpatient treqtment that can help angina. EECP(Enhanced External Counterpulsation)
may stimulate the opening, or formation of, small branches of blood
vessels (collaterals) to create a natural bypass around narrowed or
blocked arteries. You may be a candidate for this treatment if you have chronic stable angina in spite of maximized medical therapy and you are not a candidate for bypass surgery or angioplasty.
Venous Scan/Venous Ablation
Experience the VNUS Closure® Procedure - The Closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Using ultrasound, we position the Closure catheter into the diseased vein through a small opening in the skin. The tiny catheter powered by radio-frequency (RF) energy delivers heat to the vein wall. As the thermal energy is delivered, the vein wall shrinks and the vein is sealed closed. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins. Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site, and additional compression may be provided to aid healing. We may encourage you to walk, and to refrain from extended standing and stremous activities for a period of time. Patients who undergo the Closure procedure typically resume normal activities within a day.
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