Cardiac catheterization

Our cardiac catheterization lab team comprises board-certified interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, registered cath lab nurses and technologists. Everyone on this team works closely with other specialists throughout our hospital to provide you with exceptional cardiac care.

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat heart conditions. A thin, flexible tube is guided through an artery in the wrist or leg and into the heart. Through this catheter, physicians can evaluate blood flow and, when needed, remove plaque, repair defects, insert a balloon, or place a stent to restore circulation.

Invasive procedures

PCI is performed to re-open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries that restrict blood flow. After guiding a catheter to the affected artery, your care team may inflate a small balloon and place a mesh stent to support the vessel and help maintain healthy blood flow to the heart.

For hardened, calcified plaque that cannot be treated with standard angioplasty alone, physicians may use rotational atherectomy. This technique uses a specialized device, called a Rotablator, to gently remove calcium build-up and improve blood flow.

IVUS uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images from inside the arteries. This technology helps physicians assess plaque buildup, guide stent placement, and personalize treatment for optimal outcomes.

Pulmonary hypertension — high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs — can cause significant shortness of breath and reduced quality of life. To help determine the most effective treatment, some patients undergo testing in the cardiac catheterization lab, where medications are administered during a right-heart catheterization to evaluate how the pulmonary arteries respond. These results help pulmonologists tailor the most appropriate therapy.

Electrophysiology procedures

Some abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) originate from small areas of heart tissue that send out irregular electrical signals. Radiofrequency catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that targets and treats these problem areas.

During the procedure, an electrophysiologist threads a thin catheter into the heart and positions it at the source of the arrhythmia. The catheter delivers controlled radiofrequency energy — essentially gentle heat — to disrupt the faulty electrical pathway and restore a normal heart rhythm.

Ablation can be used to treat both life-threatening arrhythmias and those that cause troubling symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or fatigue. Most patients are able to resume regular activities within just a few days.

Pacemakers help manage slow or irregular heart rhythms that may cause dizziness or fainting. These small devices are implanted in the electrophysiology lab, where thin wires (leads) are threaded into the heart to deliver gentle electrical signals. Pacemakers are highly effective, and most patients can be monitored conveniently in an outpatient setting.

An ICD is recommended for some patients at risk of life-threatening heart rhythms. These devices can:

• Correct dangerously slow rhythms (like a pacemaker), and
• Deliver therapy to stop life-threatening arrhythmia

Some ICD systems, called cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices, include an additional lead placed on the heart’s left side. CRT devices can improve heart function and reduce symptoms in certain patients with heart failure.

Advanced imaging — such as echocardiograms with tissue Doppler or cardiac MRI — can help determine if CRT is appropriate.

Non-invasive and semi-invasive heart procedures

A TEE provides detailed, close-range images of the heart by guiding a small probe down the esophagus, placing it directly behind the heart. This perspective helps physicians identify certain cardiac conditions more accurately. Patients receive sedation for comfort during the exam.

Cardioversion restores a normal heart rhythm by using medications or a controlled electrical impulse. It is often used to treat atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, as well as other rapid or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Cardioversion can help relieve symptoms such as chest discomfort and shortness of breath.

Advanced devices

The Abiomed Impella®, the world’s smallest ventricular heart pump, provides temporary support for critically ill patients. Inserted through an artery in the leg and guided into the left ventricle, this device helps maintain blood flow for up to six hours while the heart recovers or while additional treatment is provided.

What to expect before your procedure

Your cardiologist’s office will provide detailed instructions to help you prepare for your interventional cardiology procedure. Prior to your procedure, you may undergo testing such as bloodwork and imaging studies to ensure your care team has all the information they need.

You’ll also be advised on whether to continue your current medications and when to begin fasting. If you have questions at any point, your care team at Reston Hospital is here to help.

After your procedure

Many patients are able to return home on the same day, depending on the type of procedure and their recovery.

Before you leave, you’ll receive personalized instructions for at-home care. These will include what symptoms to watch for, how to care for your procedure site, and when you can safely return to normal activities.

Following these instructions closely can help ensure a smooth and successful recovery.

Designated STEMI center

During a heart attack, every second matters. Reston Hospital Center offers 24/7 interventional cardiology coverage and is specially designated for EMS transport of patients experiencing STEMI (ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction) — a high-risk heart attack caused by a blocked coronary artery.

Our rapid response process helps restore blood flow as quickly as possible, improving patient outcomes.