Catheterization Tests
Loyola's state-of-the-art catheterization laboratory offers catheterization tests to diagnose conditions of the heart and vascular system. Cardiac and peripheral vascular procedures for pediatric and adult patients are performed in three cardiac catheterization suites.
In cardiac catheterization, a thin tube (a catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel (for example, in the arm or leg) then guided toward the area to be viewed. The use of a contrast dye and X-ray technology helps identify blockages and other problems with the heart and/or arteries.
AngiogramAn angiogram is used to examine blood flow within an artery or vein. General angiograms can be used to evaluate the arteries or veins in the arms, legs, chest, or abdomen. Special angiogram tests can look at the arteries near the heart (coronary angiogram), lungs (pulmonary angiogram), brain (cerebral angiogram), and aorta (aortogram). A small catheter (hollow tube) is inserted in the entry site (which may be the leg, arm or neck) and then guided through a vein or artery to the area to be studied. An iodine compound (a colorless liquid dye) is injected through the catheter. While using X-ray, motion pictures are made as the dye travels through the vessels.
Intravascular Ultrasound
Catheters that contain tiny ultrasound cameras can be guided into the arteries to give a valuable cross-sectional view from the inside out, showing the physician where the normal artery wall ends and any plaque begins. This procedure is done as part of a coronary angiogram procedure and typically adds 5 to 10 minutes to the procedure.
Location
Contact Us
For an appointment or for more information about Catheterization Tests, call (888) LUHS-888.