Cardiac Catheterization Procedures 
In the technologically advanced suites of Enloe Medical Center’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab, board-certified cardiologists collaborate with an expert cath lab team to diagnose and offer a full range of treatments. Enloe Medical Center launched
its Cardiac Catheterization services in 1982.
What are cardiac catheterization procedures? They involve inserting a flexible, hollow tube, called a catheter, in the patient's groin or arm artery or vein, threading the catheter into major arteries and veins and into the heart chambers. Catheters are used to diagnose and treat heart disorders. Enloe uses digital imaging equipment to give cardiologists more information, enabling them to better diagnose and treat heart disease. This technology also improves patient safety and reduces radiation exposure.
Cardiac Cath Lab Team: Our team consists of specially trained registered nurses and technicians who assist the affiliated cardiologists and provide heart monitoring, sedation and support to the patient and their family. The catheterization laboratories support cardiologists who perform both diagnostic and interventional procedures including balloon angioplasties and stents.
Common cardiac catheterization procedures at Enloe include:
Coronary angiograms
Coronary angiograms are used to determine whether there is atherosclerosis
(the buildup of fat and cholesterol plaque in the arteries) or some
other type of blockage in the coronary system. The information obtained
from the procedure helps doctors determine what treatment is needed.
Using a tiny catheter threaded into the heart, the pressure in the
heart chambers can be measured, which is important in diagnosing
some types of heart valve disease. Dye may be used to help the doctor
see how well the heart muscle is contracting and if the heart valves
are leaking.
Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)
PTCA is a procedure in which blocked coronary arteries are treated.
The catheter used is tipped with a very small, sausage-shaped balloon,
which is threaded into the blocked part of the coronary artery.
Once in place, the balloon is inflated, crushing the blocking material
against the wall and opening the vessel. The balloon and catheter
is then removed. There are different types of balloons to help open
the vessels and measure blood flow.
Electrophysiology Services
Enloe’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab offers electrophysiology services (EPS) to treat abnormalities in the electrical system of the heart. These services include diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, through mapping and ablation; and rhythm management through the implantation of pacemakers and intra-cardiac defibrillators.
For additional patient and professional educational information and other resources about electrophysiology services, visit the Arrhythmia Center of Northern California website, provided by the medical practice of Chico cardiologist Walter Kusumoto, M.D.
Stents 
Stents are small coils that are "wrapped" around the Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) balloon
before it is inserted into the coronary artery. Doctors started
using them in the early 1990s, in place of angioplasties. Stents
may perform better than PTCA alone , while improving the safety
and efficacy of PTCA.
Stents may also be coated
with a drug. After the stent is placed in the vessel, the drug is
released into the surrounding tissue, blocking the formation of
cell growth that can cause scar tissue. These "drug-eluding
stents" prevent scar tissue and dramatically
drop the need for repeat angioplasties and heart
bypass surgeries.
Contact Us
Heart Program's Cardiac Catheterization Lab
Enloe Medical Center
1531 Esplanade
Chico, CA 95926
530.332.7424
|
