A catheterization laboratory, or cath lab, is where we take care of the heart in real time. From opening blocked arteries to fixing leaky valves to treating irregular heartbeats and even helping in emergencies like heart failure or shock, it’s the place where big heart problems get quick solutions.
Cath lab heart care: Expert cardiac catheterization for better health
A cath lab is where doctors use thin, flexible tubes called catheters to check and treat heart problems. It’s much easier on the body than open-heart surgery, so you heal faster and often go home the same day.
In the cath lab, doctors also run tests to see how your heart is working and plan the best treatment. Cath labs can open blocked arteries, fix leaky or narrowed valves, treat irregular heartbeats and repair structural issues like small holes in the heart or weak spots in a valve. They also provide advanced care during emergencies like sudden heart failure (when the heart suddenly can’t pump enough blood) or cardiogenic shock (a severe form of heart failure). These treatments can ease chest pain, improve breathing, boost blood flow and lower the risk of a heart attack. Less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to daily life are just some of the benefits.
Find a doctor near me
Conditions
The cath lab is used to treat a variety of heart conditions that can affect blood flow and how the heart works. If you have symptoms like chest pain, dizziness or shortness of breath, your doctor may recommend a cath lab procedure to find out what’s wrong and provide treatment if needed. Some of the most common conditions treated include:
- Cardiogenic shock: This is a severe condition where the heart suddenly can’t pump enough blood to the body, and the cath lab is often used urgently in emergencies to support heart function.
- Congenital heart defects: These are structural problems with the heart that are present at birth and may need repair to improve function.
- Coronary artery disease: This occurs when arteries become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, increasing the risk of heart attacks, and the cath lab can be used urgently to restore blood flow in emergencies.
- Heart failure (sudden): This happens when the heart abruptly can’t pump blood effectively, leading to fatigue, swelling and shortness of breath, and the cath lab can be used to stabilize the heart in emergencies.
- Heart valve or structural problems: These are issues with the heart’s valves or other parts of the heart’s structure, like holes or weak valves, that may need repair or replacement.
- Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias): These are abnormal heart rhythms that can cause palpitations, dizziness or serious complications, and the cath lab can be used urgently if a rhythm is life-threatening.
Testing
Cath labs help doctors perform tests that give a clear picture of how well your heart is working. These tests can show problems with blood flow, heart rhythm and heart structure. Common tests include:
- Angiogram: Uses a special dye and X-ray imaging to check for blockages or narrowing in the arteries
- Biopsy: Takes a small tissue sample from the heart muscle to check for conditions like myocarditis or heart transplant rejection
- Electrophysiology study: Maps the heart’s electrical signals to diagnose and treat irregular heart rhythms
- Pressure measurements: Measures the blood pressure inside different chambers of the heart to see how well it is pumping
These tests help your doctor understand your heart and decide the best treatment, whether that’s a procedure in the cath lab, medication or ongoing monitoring.
Treatments
If a test shows a problem, doctors can often treat it immediately using minimally invasive procedures. These treatments can help open blocked arteries, regulate heartbeats, repair damaged heart valves and prevent future complications. Common treatments include:
- Ablation: Uses radiofrequency energy or cryotherapy to destroy abnormal heart tissue that causes irregular heartbeats
- Angioplasty and stenting: Uses a tiny balloon to widen a blocked artery, followed by placement of a stent to keep it open
- Impella heart pump: A small, temporary device that supports heart function in high-risk patients by improving blood circulation
- Pacemaker or defibrillator implantation: Small devices placed under the skin to regulate heart rhythm and prevent life-threatening arrhythmias
- Percutaneous ventricular assist device (VAD) placement: A mechanical pump implanted to help the heart pump blood in patients with severe heart failure
- Thrombectomy: Removes blood clots from arteries to restore normal blood flow and prevent complications like strokes or heart attacks
- Valve repair or replacement: Catheter-based techniques to fix or replace damaged heart valves without open-heart surgery
Related services + treatments
FAQs
Is a cath lab procedure painful?
Most people feel only mild discomfort or pressure. Doctors use numbing medicine and sometimes mild sedation to help you relax and manage pain.
How long does a cath lab procedure take?
It depends on the procedure. Some take just 30 minutes, while others last a few hours.
Will I need to stay in the hospital?
Many people go home the same day, but some may need to stay overnight for monitoring.
Is a cath lab procedure safe?
Yes, it is a common and safe alternative to surgery, with fewer risks and a quicker recovery time.
A cath lab can be life-saving and help people with heart conditions get back to their daily lives with less downtime. If your doctor recommends a cath lab procedure, they will explain the details and answer any questions you have.
Who performs cath lab procedures?
Cath lab procedures are done by specially trained doctors called interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists. Interventional cardiologists focus on treating heart artery blockages and valve problems using catheters, while electrophysiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating irregular heartbeats. These doctors work with a team of nurses, radiologic technologists and other specialists to ensure safe and effective care. Their expertise helps patients get the best treatment with the least amount of risk and recovery time.
How cath labs differ from interventional cardiology?
Cath labs and interventional cardiology are closely related but not the same. A cath lab is the physical space where doctors perform procedures, while interventional cardiology is a medical specialty focused on treating heart conditions using catheter-based techniques. Interventional cardiologists often work in cath labs, but cath labs also support other specialists, including electrophysiologists and heart failure experts. This collaboration allows for a wider range of treatments, from clearing blocked arteries to treating irregular heart rhythms and implanting life-saving devices.
Our locations
From regular office visits to inpatient stays, find the healthcare you need and deserve close to home.
Our doctors + care team
Meet the doctors and care team devoted to supporting you every step of the way along your path to better health.