Cardiac Catheterization Lab
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Contact: Rebecca Durham, RN - clinical director
Email: rdurham@wwbh.org
Phone: 860-892-6970
Address: 326 Washington St., Norwich, CT 06360
Hours of operation: 7 a.m.-3:30pm, Monday-Friday
Location: E-1 Surgical Suite and Cardiac Cath lab, 1st floor, room e100.
Under the direction of a cardiologist, the Backus Cardiac Catheterization Lab performs various tests that can evaluate the anatomy and function of your heart. Utilizing special x-ray and imaging equipment the cardiologist and the cath lab certified staff provide the supportive care necessary for diagnostic procedures, such as left and right heart cardiac catheterizations, transesophageal echocardiograms, electrical cardioversions, insertions of pacemakers and/or automated implantable cardioverter defibrillators (AICD’s), and generator changes.
Cardiac Catheterization
The insertion of a catheter into an artery or vein of the heart through which an angiogram (x-ray images) is obtained.
Left Heart Catheterization
Insertion of a catheter into the coronary arteries and left ventricle of the heart, through which dye is injected in order to visualize the coronary blood flow and pumping function of the heart.
Right Heart Catheterization
Insertion of a catheter into a vein leading to the heart which can confirm the pressures and blood flow in the right side of the heart.
Radial Cardiac Catheterization
A less invasive alternative cardiac catheterization method through the wrist or radial artery instead of the femoral artery to determine if more intervention is needed, if there are blockages in the arteries, or if medication can be used to treat the patient.
If there is a significant percentage of blockage in the artery, patients are sent to another facility for interventional treatment, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.
This type of testing is done after an abnormal stress test or when a cardiac patient is having chest pains that may indicate an issue.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
The passage of an ultrasound probe into the esophagus in order to better visualize the structures of the heart. A TEE provides for a closer look at the heart’s valves and chambers, without interference from the ribs or lungs.
Electrical Cardioversion
A procedure that returns an irregularly beating heart (arrhythmia) to a normal (sinus) rhythm by delivering a controlled electrical impulse to the heart.
Pacemaker
A small generator-powered device that is implanted and programmed to maintain a normal heartbeat by sending small controlled electrical impulses to the heart.
Automated Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
A small generator-powered electrical impulse device that is implanted and programmed to detect certain cardiac arrhythmias and correct them by delivering a preset electrical impulse.
GENERATOR CHANGES
The replacement of the generator device, either a pacemaker or AICD that has reached the end of its electrical current supply.
Things to know:
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight prior to your scheduled procedure.
- You can take your morning medications as directed by your doctor, with just sips of water only.
- During your procedure moderate sedation will be used. These medications will help to decrease your anxiety/discomfort and allow you to complete your procedure.
- The effects of the moderate sedation may last 24 hours. For your safety you are advised not to drive. It is highly recommended that someone stay with you 24 hours after your procedure.
- Arrive 10 minutes early on the day of your procedure, registering in the same day surgery area. Enter the emergency room entrance and go up to the first floor.
- Please have a copy of your most current medications on hand with dose and frequency.