Whether a cardiovascular problem is caused by blocked arteries, abnormal heart rhythms or a weakening heart, a wide range of diagnostic and interventional tests and treatment options are available close to home using the advanced capabilities of the Morris Hospital Cath Lab.
Cardiovascular Tests and Procedures in the Morris Hospital Cath Lab
Coronary and Peripheral Angiogram – A diagnostic procedure that use x-rays and a special dye to see how blood flows through the arteries.
Coronary and Peripheral Angioplasty with Stenting – A small balloon placed in the narrow or blocked area of the artery is inflated and then deflated to relieve the blockage, allowing blood to flow freely through the arteries. A small mesh tube called a stent is often placed in the artery to reduce the chance of blockage reoccurring.
Peripheral Atherectomy – Compared to angioplasty which pushes plaque against the artery wall, atherectomy removes plaque using a rotating shaver on the tip of a catheter.
Pacemaker – A small, battery-operated device that helps the heart beat in a regular rhythm is placed under the skin through a small incision in the upper chest.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) – A device implanted in a pouch beneath the skin helps maintain and correct the heart’s rhythm, delivering an electrical shock to return the heart to normal rhythm if needed.
CardioMEMS – A sensor implanted in the pulmonary artery allows the medical team to better manage heart failure by remotely monitoring pulmonary pressures.
Cardioversion – An electrical shock is delivered to the heart to convert an abnormal heart rhythm back to normal.
Morris Hospital Cath Lab Frequently Asked Questions:
What can I expect during my procedure in the Cath Lab?
Patients who arrive at the hospital on the day of their procedure will start out in the Interventional/Prep Recovery Unit where staff will prepare them for their procedure. Patients having procedures in the Cath Lab receive an anesthetic and medication to help them relax. Your cardiologist will explain the specific procedure you are having prior to your arrival at the hospital. After the procedure, you will return to the Interventional/Prep Recovery Unit where our Cath Lab staff will monitor your recovery. Patients who require an overnight stay will be moved to an inpatient unit on the second floor of Morris Hospital.
Does Morris Hospital provide care for heart attacks?
Interventional cardiologists specialize in nonsurgical procedures that are used to diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions such as angiograms, angioplasty, and atherectomy. On the other hand, an electrophysiologist is a type of cardiologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders using medications, pacemakers and defibrillators. Patients who see a general cardiologist may be referred to an interventional cardiologist or electrophysiologist for specialized procedures performed in the Cath Lab.
Does Morris Hospital provide care for heart attacks?
At Morris Hospital, patients with a suspected heart attack receive immediate, expert care from physicians and staff who are trained to diagnose and treat heart attacks quickly and effectively.
Diagnosis begins with a 12-lead EKG (electrocardiogram). If the EKG confirms a heart attack, the on-call Cath Lab team from Morris Hospital is notified. The patient is taken to the Cath Lab where a team led by an interventional cardiologist uses angioplasty and stenting to open the blocked artery. This lifesaving treatment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The American College of Cardiology recommends a balloon angioplasty or other appropriate cardiac intervention within the first 90 minutes of a heart attack patient’s arrival at the hospital. The average door-to-balloon time at Morris Hospital is well below the 90-minute guideline.
What should I do if I think I’m having a heart attack?
Call 911 right away if you or someone you are with is experiencing any of the heart attack warning symptoms.
