Cardiac catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the structure and function of the heart and its blood vessels. At Livasa Hospital, cardiac catheterization is performed in dedicated cath labs by experienced interventional cardiologists to accurately diagnose coronary artery disease, valve disease and other structural heart conditions.

What is Cardiac Catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization involves the insertion of a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into an artery or vein, usually in the wrist or groin, and advancing it to the heart under X-ray guidance. Through this catheter, contrast dye, pressure measurements and various tests are performed to assess:

• Coronary artery anatomy and blockages

• Heart chamber pressures and oxygen levels

• Valve function and gradients

• Heart pumping strength (ventricular function)

Types of Cardiac Catheterization

Indications

Cardiac catheterization may be recommended for:

• Suspected or known coronary artery disease

• Unstable or recurrent chest pain

• Abnormal stress test or imaging results

• Valve disease requiring detailed assessment

• Unexplained heart failure or cardiomyopathy

• Congenital heart disease evaluation

• Pre-operative assessment before major cardiac surgery

Procedure Steps

1. Admission to the cath lab and connection to monitors.

2. Cleaning and preparation of access site (wrist or groin).

3. Local anaesthesia at the puncture site.

4. Insertion of sheath and advancement of catheters to the heart.

5. Injection of contrast dye and recording of X-ray images.

6. Measurement of pressures and oxygen saturations where indicated.

7. Removal of catheters and sheath, followed by manual or device closure.

Most procedures last 20–45 minutes. Patients remain awake but are often given mild sedation to reduce anxiety.

Safety and Recovery

Cardiac catheterization is generally safe when performed by experienced teams, but like all invasive procedures it carries some risk. At Livasa Hospital:

• Patients are monitored closely for several hours after the procedure.

• Access site is checked for bleeding or swelling.

• Instructions are provided regarding rest, activity and follow-up.

• Same-day or next-day discharge is possible in most uncomplicated cases.

Why Choose Livasa Hospital?

• Experienced interventional cardiology team

• NABH-accredited facility with modern cath labs

• Availability of advanced imaging modalities (IVUS, FFR, OCT)

• Integrated cardiac surgery backup for high-risk cases

• 24x7 emergency coverage for acute cardiac events

NAP – Contact Details

Livasa Hospital Mohali
Sector 71, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (SAS Nagar)
Mohali, Punjab – 160071
Phone: +91-80788 80788 (24/7 Emergency)
Website: www.livasahospitals.com

Call +91-80788 80788 to schedule a consultation for cardiac catheterization at Livasa Hospital.