Heart Center
Technology & Procedures
SCA
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 call your doctor.