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Procedure

Cardiac Catheterization

Definitive imaging and pressure assessment of the heart

Cardiac catheterization is a hospital-based procedure that uses a thin flexible catheter — usually inserted through the radial artery in the wrist — to deliver contrast dye directly into the coronary arteries and chambers of the heart. The result is a real-time X-ray angiogram that defines the exact location and severity of any coronary blockage, measures intracardiac pressures, and can transition immediately into treatment with angioplasty and stenting if needed. It is performed at Cedars-Sinai under the care of an interventional cardiology team Dr. Kedan coordinates with directly.

What's Included

  • Radial (wrist) or femoral (groin) arterial access
  • Selective coronary angiography of all major vessels
  • Left ventriculography and ejection fraction measurement
  • Intracardiac pressure measurements
  • Optional fractional flow reserve (FFR) assessment
  • Possible same-session angioplasty and stenting
  • Personalized follow-up plan with Dr. Kedan

How It's Performed

The procedure is performed in a hospital catheterization lab at Cedars-Sinai under mild sedation. Local anesthesia is given at the wrist or groin, and a small catheter is advanced through the artery to the heart under live X-ray guidance. Contrast dye is injected and the coronary arteries and ventricle are imaged in detail. Diagnostic catheterization typically takes 30 to 60 minutes; if intervention (stenting) is performed it extends the case.

How to Prepare

  • Nothing to eat or drink for 6 to 8 hours before the procedure.
  • Bring a complete medication list, including all blood thinners.
  • Arrange a driver — you cannot drive home the day of the procedure.
  • Tell the team about any prior contrast reactions, kidney disease, or shellfish allergy.
  • Take routine medications with a sip of water as the team directs.

What to Expect After

For a diagnostic catheterization with radial access, most patients are observed for 2 to 4 hours and discharged the same day. Femoral access usually requires longer bed rest. Heavy lifting is restricted for 24 to 48 hours. Dr. Kedan personally reviews the angiographic images and discusses the findings and the full treatment plan with you in detail — typically within a day or two of the procedure.

Indications

  • Heart attack or unstable chest pain
  • Abnormal stress test in a high-risk patient
  • Progressive angina despite medical therapy
  • Pre-operative assessment before major valve or vascular surgery
  • Unexplained heart failure
  • Assessment of structural and congenital lesions
  • Hemodynamic measurement (constrictive disease, pulmonary hypertension)

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cardiac catheterization?
It is a hospital-based diagnostic and treatment procedure in which a thin catheter is threaded from an artery in your wrist or groin up to the heart. Contrast dye is injected to produce live X-ray images of the coronary arteries and heart chambers, definitively answering questions that non-invasive tests cannot.
Where is it done?
At Cedars-Sinai, in a dedicated cardiac catheterization lab. Dr. Kedan coordinates the procedure with the interventional cardiology team and remains involved in your pre- and post-procedural care.
How long does it take?
A diagnostic catheterization is typically 30 to 60 minutes. If angioplasty and stenting are performed in the same session, the case extends to 1 to 2 hours.
Is it painful?
You receive local anesthesia at the access site and mild IV sedation. Most patients feel a brief sting at the start and a warm flush as contrast is injected. The procedure itself is generally not painful.
How do I prepare?
Fast for 6 to 8 hours, bring a complete medication list, and arrange a driver. The team will instruct you about which medications (especially blood thinners and metformin) to hold.
What are the risks?
Cardiac catheterization is performed safely tens of thousands of times a day. Major risks (bleeding, kidney injury, contrast reaction, vascular injury, and rarely heart attack or stroke) are low in experienced hands and are reviewed in detail during informed consent.
What will the result show?
A precise map of each coronary artery, the percentage and location of any narrowing, ventricular pumping function, and intracardiac pressures. The information directly determines whether medications, stenting, or surgery is the right next step.
Who interprets the study?
The interventional cardiologist performing the case generates the report, and Dr. Kedan reviews the images personally and integrates the findings into your overall plan.
When will I get the results?
Immediately. Dr. Kedan and the procedural team discuss the findings with you and your family before discharge, with a formal review at a follow-up visit.
How do I schedule one?
Cardiac catheterization is typically arranged after a clinic evaluation and any indicated non-invasive testing. Call Cardiolucent at (310) 304-5555 to begin the workup.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.