Cardiac Catheterization - PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention)

Question 1

What is cardiac catheterization?

Answer 1

Cardiac Catheterization is a surgical procedure that is performed to determine what is going on with your heart during an MI, and other issues, and allows for determine where the issue is + what the issue is. A catheter is inserted into an artery or vein and travels throughout your vessels to your heart!

Question 2

What does cardiac catheterization check for?

Answer 2

• cardiac chamber pressure
• patency of arteries
• checks for any occlusions/blockages

Question 3

What is REQUIRED during a cardiac cath procedure?

Answer 3

• ECG
• hemodynamic monitoring
• *emergency equipment available

Question 4

What education is important for patients about to undergo a cardiac cath procedure + their families?

Answer 4

-palpitations after the procedure are COMMON
-NO food/drink after midnight, night before procedure
-NO anticoagulation medications before procedure
^^^^generally stopped at least 1.5 hours before
-CONSENT MUST BE OBTAINED

Question 5

What risks are associated with cardiac cath procedures?

Answer 5

• stroke
• another MI
• arterial bleeding
• development of blood clots
• *LETHAL dysrhythmias
• **DEATH

Question 6

PCI - Cardiac Catheterization = NUMBER __ method for reperfusion for patients suffering a STEMI

Answer 6

PCI - Cardiac Catheterization = NUMBER ONE method for reperfusion for patients suffering a STEMI

Question 7

What should I ensure I know before my patient goes for a cardiac cath procedure?

Answer 7

• *any allergies to dyes/contrast?
• **are their labs normal?:
  - electrolytes
  - CBC
  - cardiac markers
  - etc.

Question 8

What do I need to know/do, as a nurse, for my patient proceeding a cardiac catheterization procedure?

Answer 8

***patient MUST remain FLAT for 4-6 hours post-op
^^this is because of the arterial sheath in groin area
-assessments of surgical sites: any bleeding/discharge?
-assessments of pulses: pedal pulses good? peripheral pulses good?
-cardiac monitoring: noticing any dysrhythmias? etc.

Question 9

Where does a RT sided catheter go during a cardiac catheterization?

Answer 9

RT sided caths > RT Femoral Vein = **LESS RISKY

Question 10

Where does a LT sided catheter go during a cardiac catheterization?

Answer 10

LT sided caths > LT artery (femoral or brachial)

Question 11

What is an ANGIOGRAM?

Answer 11

ANGIOGRAM = injects dye into vessels + takes pictures to see blood movement!

Question 12

What is an ANGIOPLASTY?

Answer 12

ANGIOPLASTY = inserts wire with balloon attached + inflates the balloon & places a stent at location of occlusion that is found during the ANGIOGRAM.

***this secures vessel walls + opens the artery & prevents reclusion!!

Question 13

What medication would be required for the patients lifetime if there IS a stent placed during an ANGIOPLASTY?

Answer 13

***IF STENT IS PLACED, antiplatelet medications will be necessary for the remainder of the patients life to help ensure that the stent doesn’t become occluded!

^^^it is super important that these medications are constantly taken to ensure good results!