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 3rdFloor 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).

Children’s Heart Institute

Cardiac Catheterization