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Cardiac catheterization

As a minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedure, cardiac catheterization allows our expert cardiologists to accurately and efficiently diagnose problems in heart function and blockage.

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What you need to know about cardiac catheterization

The "gold standard" for diagnosing coronary artery disease, cardiac catheterization provides live, detailed information about the heart's blood vessels, arteries, valves and chambers, allowing physicians to immediately detect blockages or abnormalities. The information is used by the cardiology specialist to determine the next step in the treatment process, which may include medication therapy, angioplasty, stenting or heart surgery. Many patients undergo same-day procedures and many can be discharged several hours after recovery.

 

Patients remain awake during the procedure receiving both a local anesthetic and mild sedative for their comfort. The procedure begins with the passing of a small flexible tube, catheter, through an artery or vein such as the wrist (radial artery) or groin (femoral artery). Using X-ray assistance, the cardiologist then lead the catheter to the heart and into a coronary artery. The catheter allows the physician to diagnose problems or abnormalities in heart function by measuring pressures and taking blood samples. 

Morristown Medical Center's transradial approach

Learn more from Cardiac Catheterization Lab Medical Director, Jordan Safirstein, MD

View Video
“
I’ve lived in this area for the past 50 years, and I’ve always had a great experience with Overlook Medical Center. It made a big difference to have this done locally, where my wife could pick me up afterward and I could be back home in just a few minutes.- Bill, cardiac catheterization patient

Radial lounge

One of the first in the region, the newly-designed radial lounge inside Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute at Morristown Medical Center has six comfortable bays for patients and their family members. Recovering patients can walk around, help themselves to food and beverages, or relax in comfortable chairs, all while being monitored via wireless telemetry.

Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute at Morristown Medical Center

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Awards and accreditations

We are proud to showcase awards and accreditations credited to our team through our strong history of extraordinary care

ICAEL
Logo for accreditation by the American College of CardiologyMorristown Medical Center

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