Cardiac Catheterisation Lab

Our Cardiac Catheter Laboratory is a special section of the Cardiology department that treats people with problems and injuries relating to the heart and circulatory system.

About this service

Our Cardiac Catheter Laboratory service is part of a larger Cardiology service.

Cardiac catheterisation is a procedure where a narrow tube, known as a catheter, is inserted into the heart from a blood vessel in your groin, arm or neck. This procedure can be used to treat or diagnose certain conditions.

We have two Cardiac Catheter Laboratories and a day procedure unit. Our team includes Interventional Cardiologists, Cardiac Electrophysiologists, Cardiac Scientists, and Interventional Cardiovascular Nurses.

We offer a 24-hour service for people having a heart attack. These people may come from the Emergency Department or directly from an ambulance.

Procedures undertaken in Cardiac Cath labs

• Diagnostic coronary angiography and heart studies
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and stent insertion including radial/femoral procedures
• Structural interventions including closure of Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), Percutaneous Foramen Ovale (PFO) and valvuloplasty
• Transoesophageal Echocardiography (TOE)
• Electrophysiology Studies (EPS)
• Electrophysiology ablation procedures including complex 3D mapping, biopsy, and Pulmonary vein isolation
• Permanent Pacemaker Insertion (PPM)
• Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) and Cardiac Resynchronisation (CRT) devices
• Cardiac CT (CTCA).

Who we care for

We care for people referred by the Emergency Department or directly from an ambulance in an emergency. We also care for people referred by a Cardiologist for an elective procedure.

We offer these services for free if you have a Medicare Card or an Asylum Seeker Card.

How to access this service

A medical practitioner will organise for you to access this service.

One of our doctors will review and triage your referral once we receive it.

We will write to both you and your referring doctor to let you know we have received your referral.

Some conditions are more urgent than others, so for this reason, you may be placed on a waiting list.

One of our team members will get in touch with you to book your initial appointment based on your triage category and place in the queue.

We’ll send you a letter with your appointment details, once it is booked. We’ll also send you a reminder two weeks before your appointment. If you have this set up, you will receive an SMS reminder three days before your appointment.

What to expect

If you are scheduled for a procedure in the Cardiac Catheter Lab, you will be admitted to hospital.

You will start your stay in the Cardiac Day Ward on level 3 of the main hospital building. You’ll have your procedure in the Cath Lab and you may either be transferred back to the Day Ward or the Coronary Care Unit for recovery.

If you are an inpatient having a Cath Lab procedure done, you’ll be transferred back to your initial ward for continued care.

Read on for more information about what to expect during particular procedures.

Coronary angiography

This procedure involves passing a tiny X-ray camera through an artery in your groin or wrist. The camera takes an x-ray image of your coronary arteries to see if there’s any narrowing or blockages. The Doctor will inject a dye so they can see the arteries better on the x-ray.

You’ll receive a local anaesthetic at the point where the camera enters your body. This is a relatively painless procedure.

Our team of trained medical, nursing and allied health professionals will be there to take care of you. Please let them know if you have any questions or concerns.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and stenting

Your Doctor may decide to perform a Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) during your procedure. A PCI is a procedure that places a stent in your artery. A stent is like scaffolding for your artery. It is a tiny self-expanding mesh structure that keeps your artery from closing. Stents remain in your body permanently.

Structural Intervention (ASD/PFO/Valvuloplasty)

These procedures are similar to the PCI but go further into the heart to help the internal heart valves widen or be repaired.

Transoesophageal Echocardiography (TOE)

This procedure involves a set of electrodes being placed on your chest and a device called a transducer inserted down your throat. This procedure forms a picture of the structure and function of your heart. Your doctor will use this information to decide how you should be treated or cared for.

You’ll be given medication to numb your throat, so you don’t feel pain or gag on the transducer. Otherwise, this is a painless procedure.

Permanent Pacemaker Insertion (PPM)

Your heart usually keeps normal beating rhythm, but if for some reason it can’t, you may need a pacemaker.

A pacemaker is a small device that is placed under your skin near your collar bone with wires leading to your heart. The pacemaker will send an electrical signal to your heart to make sure it beats at the correct rhythm.

Most people who have a pacemaker don’t even notice that it’s there. Depending on model, the pacemaker battery can last anywhere between 5-15 years and your doctor will arrange for you to have the battery changed when needed.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) and Cardiac Resynchronisation (CRT) devices

Sometimes your heart might lose rhythm periodically you may benefit from an ICD. An ICD is a small device that is placed under your skin near your collar bone with wires leading to your heart. When needed, the ICD will send electrical signal to your heart to shock it back into the correct rhythm.

Most people who have this device don’t notice that it’s there. Depending on model, the ICD battery can last anywhere between 5-15 years and your Doctor will arrange for you to have the battery changed when needed.

Your pre-admission clinic nurse will take you through all the finer details of the procedure you will be having as well as any preparation needed, such as fasting.

What to bring to your appointment

• Medicare card
• Any letters or correspondence from your GP
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Reading glasses (if required)

Where we’re located

Cardiology Unit, Building 1, Level 3, Canberra Hospital.

We have directions to Canberra Hospital.

Resources

Heart procedures and devices: the Heart Foundation