FROM DIAGNOSIS TO INTERVENTION
Depending on the number, severity and location of
the obstruction, the physician may recommend the
patient for a cardiac catheterization. Upon
occasion, the cardiologist may suggest
transforming the diagnostic test on the spot, into a
more therapeutic procedure.
HOW DO THEY DO IT?
The cardiologist places a more versatile catheter
into the opening of the coronary artery. A thin wire
is threaded through this catheter and well past the
narrowing,( stenosis) in the artery. A "rail" or track
has now been established and any number of
therapeutic devices, such as a balloon, can be
passed safely over the wire and positioned
precisely at the obstruction.
the obstruction, the physician may recommend the
patient for a cardiac catheterization. Upon
occasion, the cardiologist may suggest
transforming the diagnostic test on the spot, into a
more therapeutic procedure.
HOW DO THEY DO IT?
The cardiologist places a more versatile catheter
into the opening of the coronary artery. A thin wire
is threaded through this catheter and well past the
narrowing,( stenosis) in the artery. A "rail" or track
has now been established and any number of
therapeutic devices, such as a balloon, can be
passed safely over the wire and positioned
precisely at the obstruction.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
As the blockage is opened, blood flow in the artery
is stopped for very brief periods, During which time
the patient may experience some chest pain. This
is very normal. During the procedure, the patient is
given light sedation for comfort, but remains awake
in order to respond to various instructions from the
Interventional Cardiologist.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE...
When the procedure is over, all equipment is
removed, the puncture site is compressed in order
to heal, and the patient usually can return home
within a day or two. For many patients, the most
uncomfortable part is the several hours post-
procedure, when they need to lie still for the
puncture site compression. Several devices, or
"sealers" are now being utilized to reduce this
period of time significantly.
As the blockage is opened, blood flow in the artery
is stopped for very brief periods, During which time
the patient may experience some chest pain. This
is very normal. During the procedure, the patient is
given light sedation for comfort, but remains awake
in order to respond to various instructions from the
Interventional Cardiologist.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE...
When the procedure is over, all equipment is
removed, the puncture site is compressed in order
to heal, and the patient usually can return home
within a day or two. For many patients, the most
uncomfortable part is the several hours post-
procedure, when they need to lie still for the
puncture site compression. Several devices, or
"sealers" are now being utilized to reduce this
period of time significantly.
| A guide wire is placed across the lesion and the balloon is inflated. |
| 201-845-3535 |
Cardiac Catheterization
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Nuclear Stress Test Instructions
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Nuclear Stress Test Instructions
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| The patient can respond to various instructions from the Interventional Cardiologist. |
| Di agno Interventional Cardiology |
| If you are scheduled for a Nuclear Stress Test at 218 State Rte. 17 North Suite 310 Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 the following instructions are provided to you for your convenience. PRE-TEST INSTRUCTIONS
Plan on being at the office for approximately four (4) hours. Bring a snack and your medications. |
WHAT TO EXPECT THE DAY OF YOUR TEST
- You will be asked to sign a consent form for the test. This is to insure that you
understand the procedure and any risks involved.
- A technician will prepare your chest for the EKG.
- An intravenous catheter (IV site) will be placed in your hand, wrist or arm.
- The technologist will inject an isotope that will allow us to image the blood flow to your
heart.
- You will be asked to wait and drink water while the material circulates (there is a water
cooler at the office).
- Pictures of your heart will be taken for approximately 15 minutes. You will be laying
down on your back with your arms raised behind your head, as a specialized machine
takes pictures of your heart.
- The stress test will be performed next, either with exercise or with a medication.
During the stress test, a second injection of the isotope will be given. The doctor and
the nurse will be present during the stress test.
- After the stress test, you may eat, drink and take your medication. There will be a
waiting period while the isotope circulates again.
- The last part will be a second set of pictures similar to the first ones.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding the information provided,
please call our office.