Catheterization Laboratory
Russell Medical Center features a state-of-the-art catheterization lab where physicians
can diagnose and evaluate a broad range of vascular diseases.
During cardiac catheterization, a thin, flexible tube (or catheter) pumps dye into
your arteries. The cardiologist observes the dye's flow using an x-ray screen and
gets a good look at your heart as it is working.
This procedure, called angiography, is a diagnostic catheterization. It indicates
whether the heart and its blood vessels are diseased or normal and how serious the
condition is, whether the heart valves have blockage or are working correctly and
whether the heart is pumping effectively. If a blockage is discovered, the
cardiologists can perform an angioplasty and/or place stents in the coronary arteries.
The lab also posseses the technology to perform vascular studies that examine the
entire vascular system and diagnose strokes and health problems originating in the
arms, legs, lungs, kidneys and stomach. Angioplasties and stenting procedures
are performed on these types of blockages.
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