Why choose Cath Lab at Bangkok Rayong Hospital?
The Interventional Radiology Department (Cath Lab), Rayong Hospital, provides services with modern technology and a team of expert doctors to ensure that patients receive the best care, increase their chances of recovery, and have a better quality of life.
How to check in Cath lab
The doctor will choose to inject local anesthesia in the groin or wrist and then insert a small, sterile tube approximately 2 millimeters in diameter through an artery. Then, a dye will be injected to see if the blood vessels are functioning or not. The doctor will be able to view it on a digital screen through a special X-ray box. It takes approximately 20 minutes. If there is an abnormality, the doctor will insert a coil to diagnose and provide further treatment. When finished, the catheter will be removed and a device must be used to press and stop the bleeding at the catheter insertion area for a period of time.
By this examination and treatment method, patients will recover quickly because they do not need major surgery and there is less risk. They can go home and do their daily activities as usual.
Preparation before cardiac catheterization
- Patients must undergo a complete physical examination, such as blood tests, chest X-rays, and electrocardiograms.
- Patients must prepare to stay in the hospital one day in advance and sign a consent form for treatment.
- Patients should shower and clean their bodies. Patients who have undergone treatment will have their legs and groin areas cleaned by shaving the hair, which is the area where the doctor will insert the catheter.
- Patients must abstain from food and water for approximately 4-6 hours prior to the examination.
Post-cardiac catheterization behavior
- After the coronary angioplasty, the doctor will advise the patient to lie still by lying flat and adjusting the bed so that the head of the bed is raised 30-45 degrees. After that, the patient can walk or sit gently. Do not lift heavy objects or exercise too strenuously to prevent rupture of the blood vessel. However, the patient can turn on his side and move the tips of his toes and fingers.
- The staff will use a compression device to apply pressure to the wrist wound or place a sandbag on the groin wound to stop the bleeding for at least 2-4 hours.
- If you notice shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain or tightness, dizziness, excessive bleeding in the groin or wrist area, a rash on the body and feet, cold hands, pain or numbness in the toes or hands, you should immediately notify the staff.
- Patients should take care not to let the wound get wet. If the wound is dry, patients can shower as usual. However, if the wound is not dry, wipe it with alcohol and cover it with a plaster.
- In cases where the patient does not restrict water, after the examination, the patient should drink plenty of water, at least 2,000 ml per day, to allow the kidneys to excrete the contrast material through urination.
- You should avoid drinking alcohol, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and smoking.
- You should eat a balanced diet. Avoid foods that are too sweet, fatty, or salty because they will make your heart work harder.