Cardiac Catheterization Lab

St. Mary’s General Hospital features a Cardiac Catheterization Lab equipped with specialized x-ray machines, for diagnostic testing as well as coronary and structural heart interventions. Patients in need of an emergency coronary intervention have access to this service on a 24/7 basis.

We are a high volume Regional Cardiac Care Center and serve a large catchment area of 1.4 million people.

What is an Angiogram?

A coronary angiogram, also referred to as cardiac catheterization, is a special x-ray study of the heart. During this procedure, a thin and flexible catheter is placed inside one of your arteries and guided into your heart. X-ray dye is then injected through the catheter. This allows the doctor to take x-ray pictures and see the coronary arteries, chambers and heart valves on a special monitor screen. Your cathing doctor will then decide on the next step, one of which may be recommendation for angioplasty.

What is Angioplasty?

Angioplasty, also referred to as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a procedure used to open a narrowed or blocked coronary artery. During this procedure, a catheter with a special balloon is placed inside the artery at the site of narrowing. The balloon is then inflated, causing the plaque buildup to be pushed out of the way and restore more blood flow through the artery. Coronary stents, metal coils or tubes, can then be guided to the narrowing. Stents improve long term results of your angioplasty.

It is crucial that you fully understand what to expect and how to prepare for your procedure. St. Mary’s General Hospital will provide you with a booklet detailing the process. You can also access the booklet by clinic via this link: Cardiac Catheterization & Angioplasty Information Booklet.

Before and After a Procedure

When you arrive at the hospital, please enter through the main entrance doors. Head to the Registration area on the main floor, just past Tim Horton’s. After registering, proceed to the elevator near the staircase. Take the elevator to the second floor and follow the signs for the Cardiac Cath Lab. The lab is located down the main hallway; it’s the first door on the left. Please ring the doorbell to notify the team of your arrival.

This is a day procedure, and you should plan to be at the hospital for at least six (6) hours, and up to eight (8) hours if an angioplasty is performed. You will be discharged home after the procedure. Please be aware that we handle emergency cases throughout the day, which may cause delays in your procedure time.

Referral Form

Click here for the Cardiac Catheterization Referral Form.

Contact

For more information on the Catheterization Lab and its services contact:
Stefanie Cooper, Program Manager
Cardiac Catheterization Lab, PHIU, Structural Health Programs, TAVI and VAT Team
ext. 1904