Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to diagnose and treat various heart problems in children. While a diagnostic cardiac catheterization is used to help identify a heart problem, an interventional catheterization is used to treat the condition. In some cases an open heart operation can be avoided, while in other cases it is done to help improve the success of the surgery.

We have a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization laboratory and a specially trained staff of nurses and technologists. The cardiac catheterization laboratory includes bi-plane imaging, which allows doctors to visually follow the path of blood flow through imaging technology to create a "roadmap" for treating each patient's unique condition. The heart of an infant can be as small as a walnut, so bi-plane imaging is especially helpful in determining the best treatment for such a tiny heart.

Our specially trained pediatric cardiologist performs the cardiac catheterization by advancing plastic tubes (catheters) through blood vessels to the heart, while the child is asleep (under anesthesia). This is done under X-ray guidance in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, with all of the specialized equipment needed to diagnose and treat heart problems in children.

Before the procedure: Your child’s cardiologist will talk to you about the procedure, what to expect, and answer any questions. Some testing may need to be done ahead of time. A Child Life Specialist will help prepare your child for the procedure.

Day of the Procedure: You will come to Long Beach Medical Center and check in at the Information Desk. The cardiac catheterization lab is on the 3^rd Floor in the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute. You and your child will first be taken to the Cardiac Procedure Unit to get ready. Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s share space in the catheterization lab, but pediatric specialists will care for your child during the entire process.

You will again meet with your pediatric cardiologist, as well as the pediatric anesthesiologist, who will talk to you about how they will help your child relax or sleep through the procedure. You also will meet the nurses and technologists who will care for your child during and after the cardiac catheterization.

After your child is fully relaxed or sleeping, the pediatric cardiologist will place soft plastic tubes (catheters) through blood vessel in the leg. Pressure and oxygen level will be measured in different parts of the heart and blood vessels, and an angiogram (x-ray movie) will be recorded. In some patients, certain types of heart problems can be repaired at that time, such as closing holes in the heart and enlarging heart valves or blood vessels. When the procedure is completed, the catheters are removed and a bandage is placed at the entry site, usually the groin. Your child will be woken up and you will be able to be with him or her during recovery. In most cases, your child will be able to resume usual activities within six hours. Depending on the procedure, some children will go home the same day while others will be monitored overnight in Cherese Mari Laulhere Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Prepare Your Child for A Heart Catheterization

Depending on your child’s age there are different ways to prepare them for a heart catheterization procedure in the catheterization lab. Even though it may seem scary, explaining what is happening to your child at a young age can help them feel more at ease and not be so scared when they get to the hospital.

Infants and toddlers should bring their favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pacifier to make them feel more at ease and relaxed.
Preschoolers may enjoy watching their favorite video or reading book. It may be good to tell your preschoolers a few days before the heart catheterization.
Older children can bring in their favorite music to make them feel more at ease. Older children may have questions of their own and parents should answer their questions honestly.

Morning of the Procedure

Your child should not eat or drink anything the morning of the procedure.
Your child will get anesthesia (medicine to put your child to sleep) to make them sleepy and relaxed about 20 minutes before the heart catheterization.
You can stay with your child until it’s time to perform the heart catheterization.

How is a heart catheterization performed?

Your child will lie on an exam table that has an X-ray machine over it.
Your child will have his/her heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels carefully monitored by a skilled catheterization lab team.
Once the catheter gets to the heart, contrast (dye) will be injected to see where the heart defect is, so the pediatric cardiologist can repair it. Your child will feel a little warm for a few seconds, during the time the contrast is injected, like drinking hot chocolate fast.

What happens after the heart catheterization procedure?

The catheter will be removed and a bandage will cover your child’s leg where the catheter was put in. Your child will need to keep his/her leg straight for a few hours to decrease bleeding.
Your child will be taken to the PICU, where he/she will be monitored. During this time your child will need to be quiet and lay flat.
Your child’s nurse will monitor the pulses, skin temperature and any bleeding in the leg that was used for the test.
The length of time it takes for your child to wake up varies for each child and the type of medicine given during the catheterization.
When your child is awake, he/she may drink clear liquids. If this happens without a problem, then your child will be placed on a normal diet.
Your child will be discharged from the hospital, once he/she does not require further monitoring. Instructions for home care of the catheterization site will be given upon discharge.

Children’s Heart Institute

Cardiac Catheterization

Prepare Your Child for A Heart Catheterization