The SCA allows the physician to look at three separate areas of the heart. The left coronary artery, the right coronary artery and the left ventricular chamber. A contrast media or x-ray is used to illuminate these areas for evaluation of blockage. These areas supply blood to the heart muscle and blockages could be indications of potential heart attack. If you are scheduled for an SCA here is what you can expect:

An SCA is a sterile procedure. Upon entering the Cath Lab area, you will be placed on an exam table. Monitoring equipment, such as a blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, and EKG will be placed for use during your study. In most cases, the right groin area will be shaved prior to the procedure and washed with iodine soap. If you have any allergies to iodine, please let us know prior to the procedure. A sterile drape will be placed to cover you from the neck down to the foot of the bed to ensure a sterile area. It will be very important that you not touch your groin area or move your hands; the staff will help you with any problems.

Depending upon the physician and patient preference, relaxing medication will be available to make your procedure as comfortable as possible. The physician will arrive and xylocaine will be used as a local anesthesia to numb the groin area. A catheter introducer will be placed in your right femoral artery. They physician will be able to use three separate catheters to look at the left coronary artery, right coronary artery and left ventricular chamber. A contrast media or x-ray is used to illuminate the coronaries for evaluation of blockage in your arteries. After the SCA is finished the catheter introducer will be removed and pressure held at the puncture sight for approximately 10-15 minutes or until the bleeding has stopped.

An SCA usually lasts one hour. Your family will be placed in the Cardiovascular Waiting Room during your procedure. If the procedure should last longer than the designated time, we will call the Hostess or come out and let your family know about any delays.

After your catheterization, you'll need to remain lying down for 4 to 6 hours. You'll be asked not to move your leg to prevent bleeding. Most people have no pain after catheterization. Many patients go home from the hospital the same day, while others stay overnight.

You'll be carefully watched during and after the procedure. A nurse checks your blood pressure and insertion sight frequently to make sure there is no bleeding. Your doctor may also come in to check on you. The x-ray contrast liquid may cause you to urinate more than usual, and you may be asked to drink a lot of fluid to help flush the contrast liquid out of your system.

Tell your nurse if:

•   You feel any chest pain or discomfort at the insertion sight
•   The arm or leg used for insertion becomes numb or cold
•   You feel warmth or wetness around the insertion site, a sign that you may be bleeding.

Your doctor will discuss your test results with you. Sometimes cardiac catheterization shows that your heart is working normally. If there is a problem, your doctor will explain it to you and discuss possible treatments.

Have a family member or friend drive you home from the hospital. Most people can return to normal activities a day or two after they come home. It's a good idea to avoid heavy lifting and only engage in light activities for a few days. You may find a small bruise or lump about the size of an olive under your skin at the insertion site. Also, the skin in that area will usually bruised. These are common side effects and should disappear within a few weeks.

Call your doctor if:

•   The insertion site begins to bleed
•   You feel any chest pain or discomfort at the insertion site
•   The arm or leg in which the catheter was inserted feels cold or numb
•   The bruising or swelling increases

If you have any questions or concerns, please callyour doctor.