|
Cardiac catheterization is a sophisticated diagnostic procedure
that gives the cardiologist a guided tour of the inside
of the heart. The cardiologist inserts a catheter, a long,
slender, flexible tube into a vein or artery and guides
it into the heart. Once the catheter is in place, a small
amount of dye is injected into it. The view of the heart,
highlighted by the contrast of the dye, is projected onto
computer monitors and processed digitally. Then it is recorded
on a compact disc.
The purpose of the cardiac catheterization is to explore
the heart's structure and identify problems such as clogged
arteries before a heart attack occurs. The results of this
exploration help the cardiologist decide what is the most
appropriate treatment for the patient. The compact disc,
where the entire procedure is recorded in moving color,
is easily copied for study as the treatment plan is developed.
The Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Robert Wood Johnson
University Hospital Hamilton is equipped with the most
advanced technology available. Staffed by some of the state's
finest cardiologists, cardiac nurses and highly trained
medical professionals, it provides a full spectrum of comprehensive
diagnostic procedures.
The medical team at RWJ Hamilton's cardiac catheterization lab. Front row: Jay
Patel, MD, FACC, FACP, FSCAI, Interventional Director; Laura Kraus, RN; Cathy
Derienzo, RN. Back row: Stephanie Frazier, RN; John Luchansky, RN; Kathy Forman,
RTCV; Patty Gray, RN; Ron Ryder, DO, FACC, chairman, department of medicine and
chief, section of cardiology; Colleen Petitt, RN. Not pictured: Mahmoud Ghusson,
MD, FACC, FACP, medical director.
|
