Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

The Cardiac Catheterization Lab offers Left-Heart Catheterizations, Right-Heart Catheterizations, Cardioversions, Temporary and Permanent Pacemakers and IABP.

Hours of Operation
Available 24 Hours per day
7 days a week

Telephone Number
Phone Number: 770-751-2781
Fax Number: 770-751-2674
Contact Person: Scheduler @ 770-751-2672

Prep/Info Needed

Complete pre-certification if patient’s insurance requires. Patient should arrive 2½ hours prior to procedure time to allow for registration process. Patient must bring signed physician order and appropriate diagnosis for procedure ordered. Please bring drivers license, social security number and insurance card. Please bring a list of the medications that are currently taken.

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown once you arrive. You should not eat or drink anything after midnight the day of your cath or as directed by your physician. Take your medications as directed by your physician.

Just before the procedure begins, an RN will give you a short acting medication to make you relax. You will be awake for the procedure. You will experience some stinging and burning when the physician numbs your groin with Lidocaine - just like Novocaine at the dentist.

The physician will insert a catheter into the artery in your groin (left heart cath) or the vein (right heart cath). You will not be able to feel the catheter in your heart. During a left heart catheterization, the physician will inject contrast into the coronary arteries to visualize any blockages. During a right heart catheterization, the physician will be measuring the pressures on the right side of your heart.

The procedure takes approximately 1 to ½ hours to complete. You should plan to be here a total of 5 – 7 hours. After the procedure, you will need to lay semi-flat for 2 – 6 hours. You will be able to eat once the test is complete.

You will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the procedure. You must have someone drive you home. Once you are discharged, you are told to rest for the next 24 - 48 hours. You will be given additional instructions after the procedure.

Where The Patient Should Enter

The patient should park in the outpatient parking area at North Fulton Regional Hospital. The patient should register with the outpatient admitting representative. After registering, the patient will be given directions to the department. Family members should accompany the patient to the cath recovery room. At the time of the procedure, family members will be directed on where to wait for the physician. The physician will talk to you and your family members after the procedure.