River Parishes Hospital offers a cardiac catheterization lab that is located outside of the back entrance to the hospital. Our state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization (cath) lab plays a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease as well as the prevention of heart attack and stroke. A cardiac catheterization can check blood flow in the coronary arteries, blood flow and blood pressure in the chambers of the heart, find out how well the heart valves work, and check for defects in the way the wall of the heart moves. Peripheral catheterizations can check for blockages in the vascular system throughout the body.
Areas of study provided in the cardiac catheterization lab:
Diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease
The cardiac cath team performs diagnostic cardiac catheterizations to determine the overall health of the heart and coronary arteries. Cardiologists are able to visualize the location and extent of blockages or other problems, which in turn helps determine the appropriate treatment.
Diagnosing Right Heart Dysfunction
The cath team can also perform studies of the Right Heart System to diagnose issues such as valve defects, weak heart function, pulmonary hypertension, and other issues that can affect blood flow through the heart. With these studies, our Cardiologist can determine the best course of treatment for our patients.
Diagnosing and Treating Peripheral Vascular Disease
Blood vessels outside the heart can become blocked with plaque, too, interfering with the flow of blood to the brain, legs, arms, stomach or kidneys. Our Cardiologists and Vascular Surgeons can diagnose and treat these disorders using surgical repair and cath lab technology.
Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization
- Coronaries
- Carotids
- Abdominal / Renals
- Iliacs / Legs
- Right Heart Studies
- AV Fistula’s
- Pulmonary Studies
Coronary Intervention
- Pacemaker
- Implantable defibrillator
- Cardioversion
- Pericardiocentesis
Peripheral Intervention
- Renal PTA (balloon) / Stent
- Peripheral PTA / Stent
- AV Fistula and Venous System PTA / Stent