A catheterization laboratory, commonly referred to as a cath lab, is a specialized medical facility where minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are performed using catheters, which are thin, flexible tubes. The primary purpose of a cath lab is to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, and congenital heart defects. Procedures conducted in a cath lab include coronary angiography (to visualize blood flow in the coronary arteries), balloon angioplasty, stent placement, and electrophysiological studies to address arrhythmias. The environment is equipped with advanced imaging technology like fluoroscopy and ultrasound to guide the catheters precisely through the blood vessels to the heart or other organs. The need for a catheterization laboratory arises when patients present with symptoms of cardiovascular disease, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, or when diagnostic tests indicate the possibility of blocked arteries or structural heart defects. The minimally invasive nature of cath lab procedures offers an alternative to open surgery, allowing for quicker recovery times and fewer complications. Symptoms that may lead to a cath lab procedure include angina (chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart), shortness of breath, or signs of a heart attack. Cath labs are critical for emergency situations, such as acute heart attacks, where immediate intervention with procedures like angioplasty can restore blood flow to the heart and save lives. These procedures are often life-saving and significantly improve the long-term prognosis for patients with heart disease.
