Our catheterization lab uses live X-ray imaging to see inside your heart's blood vessels in real time. It's where we perform coronary angiography — a dye-based scan that shows exactly where a blood vessel is narrowed or blocked — and angioplasty, where we open that blockage using a small balloon and, if needed, place a stent to keep the vessel open. Both are done through a small puncture in the wrist or groin, not open surgery.
Types
Diagnostic Angiography
A dye is injected and X-ray images are taken to map exactly where and how severely a coronary artery is narrowed. This alone doesn't treat the blockage — it tells us whether treatment is needed and what kind.
Balloon Angioplasty
A tiny balloon is guided to the narrowed section and inflated to push the blockage outward, restoring blood flow.
Angioplasty with Stenting
After the balloon opens the artery, a small mesh tube (stent) is left in place to hold it open long-term. This is the most common approach for a significant blockage.
How It Works
- 1A thin catheter is inserted through the wrist or groin under local anesthesia.
- 2It's guided to the heart using live X-ray, and contrast dye is injected to map the arteries.
- 3If a blockage is found, a balloon (and usually a stent) is used to open it in the same sitting.
- 4The catheter is removed and the puncture site is closed; most patients are monitored for a few hours to a day.
When it's usually needed
- Chest pain suspected to come from blocked coronary arteries
- Confirming and treating a heart attack in progress
- Follow-up after an abnormal stress test or ECHO
Good to know
Duration: 45–90 minutes
Preparation: Usually done under local anesthesia; most patients go home within 24 hours.
This page is for general information and doesn't replace a medical consultation. Your cardiologist will confirm what's right for your specific case.