What Is a Cath Lab?

Catheterization laboratories, or cath labs, are critical for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions. They help improve patient care while reducing the need for invasive surgeries. 

This article will explore cath labs, why patients are sent to them, what kinds of procedures they can perform, and the differences between the two main types of laboratories.

Let’s explore the world of catheterization laboratories and learn how they have revolutionized cardiovascular diagnostics and treatment.

So, What Is a Cath Lab?

A cath lab, short for a catheterization laboratory, is a specialized room with advanced diagnostic imaging machinery for cardiovascular procedures. Catheterization refers to introducing a catheter into the cardiovascular system to visualize and assess blockages, vessel anomalies, and heart function. This is viewed in real-time utilizing a fluoroscopy system so doctors can view the blood moving through the heart and blood vessels. 

Additionally, catheterization labs perform minimally invasive treatments like angioplasties or stent placements, thus combining diagnostics and treatments to improve patient care. Even though fluoroscopy often utilizes a C-arm machine, these are different because a C-arm is also used for other X-ray techniques and surgical procedures. 

Furthermore, a catheterization lab usually, but not always, contains a C-arm machine.

Why Are Patients Sent to the Cath Lab?

Patients are sent to the catheterization lab for diagnostics or treatment for cardiovascular issues. The lab is invaluable in diagnosing heart conditions like coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, or congenital heart disease. 

It’s also helpful in evaluating blood flow and helping determine if heart surgery is required. They can also help treat certain heart conditions, such as arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, and heart defects. 

What Procedures Can a Cath Lab Perform?

A catheterization lab is a set of tools that assist in various cardiovascular procedures. Here are some of the more common procedures. 

• Angiograms utilize fluoroscopy and contrast agents inserted into the cardiovascular system. They allow doctors to view the blood in real-time as it flows through the veins, arteries, and heart to diagnose diseases or abnormalities.
• Angioplasty and stenting are minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures that allow for the widening of narrowed or obstructed veins or arteries.
• Ablation is a treatment for atrial fibrillation that uses heat or cold to create tiny amounts of scar tissue in the heart's electrical location, disrupting faulty signals that cause irregular heartbeats.
• Thrombectomy is the removal of blood clots from a blood vessel by inserting and advancing a catheter to the location of the clot to break it up, pull it out, or dissolve it. 
• Heart valve replacements are a surgical procedure where the doctor replaces a faulty heart valve with a mechanical valve.
• Pacemakers, used to help correct the rhythm of heartbeats, are installed in catheterization labs because they allow for precision implanting into the chest.
• Coiling is when small metal coils are inserted into an aneurysm to stop the flow of blood into it and reduce the risk of a potentially fatal bleed.
• Electrophysiology, or EP, studies utilize ablation techniques to study the heart’s electrical system. This allows doctors to diagnose abnormalities like arrhythmias.
• Radioembolization is an oncology treatment in which tiny glass or resin beads filled with radioisotopes are placed into the blood vessel feeding a tumor. This precision technique significantly reduces the patient’s exposure to radiation by directly targeting the tumor location. 

Comparing Different Cath Lab Systems

Single Plane Systems

Most cath labs utilize single-plane systems because they offer a less expensive flexible platform for various procedures, including angioplasty, stent placement, and angiographic imaging. However, they’re less useful for specialized techniques like neuro or EP studies. 

Pros

• Less expensive
• Versatile use in a wide range of cardiovascular diagnostic procedures and treatments
• Can be adapted to produce 3D imaging

Cons

• It's not as effective when doing neuro or EP studies.
• 3D imaging is more time-consuming

Biplane Systems

Bi-plane systems are used in more specialized procedures, such as neuro and EP studies, because they enable comprehensive, multi-angle imaging for diagnosis and treatment.

Pros

• Dual C-arms allow simultaneous high-quality images from two angles
• It can be utilized with just one C-arm, allowing for versatility
• Comes with 3D software

Cons

• More expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Cath Lab Considered Critical Care?

A cath lab is considered critical care because it involves caring for patients with often life-threatening cardiovascular conditions. 

Final Thoughts

Cath labs have revolutionized cardiovascular medical imaging, providing rapid and accurate diagnostics and treatment for patients with various cardiovascular conditions.

If you’re ready to set up your catheterization lab to enhance your diagnostic and treatment options, contact the professional staff at PatientImage and explore our quality imaging equipment and accessories. With unbeatable in-house financing options their customers love, there has never been a better time to improve your patients’ care.