What happens during a heart catheterization?
Preparation: To do the test, the right or left groin is shaved in preparation for the study. The patient is then brought to the catheterization laboratory and placed on a special x-ray table, which is fairly well padded and reasonably comfortable. A special soap is applied to sterilize the right and/or left groin area. The groin area is covered with a large sterile drape that extends from around the chin area down below the feet. A cutout in the drape has been made so that there is access to the femoral artery, which is just below the skin in the groin area. Procedure: Lidocaine or a similar anesthetic is injected around the femoral artery through the skin. This stings or burns a little. Once the area has been anesthetized, a hollow needle is inserted through the skin into the femoral artery. A very slender and soft guide-wire is inserted through the needle and is advanced up toward the heart. You will not be aware of this movement, as there is no physical sensation or discomfort durin
