About the Cardiac Catheterization Lab

MedStar Heart Institute’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab features 11 individual labs with 24/7 staffing. The cath lab uses sophisticated imaging technology and implements best practices for patient care before, during and after procedures. Patient safety and quality are always our paramount goals.

In fact, we are a joint-commissioned program with a focus on quality and safety.

Our staff performs a large volume of cardiac procedures. In 2010, our cath lab staff performed more than 22,000 procedures; in 2011, we performed more than 25,000.

This volume reflects our solid reputation throughout the region and nation. Volume is more than numbers. Volume means experience, which translates into expert patient evaluations and treatment plans that deliver high-quality care and solid outcomes.

We put patients first

Patients are our first priority in everything we do. You can expect the best medical treatment delivered with care, compassion, clear communication and responsive service. Every member of our cardiac team treats each patient with the understanding and support we would give to our own families.

Radial approach for cardiac catheterization

We perform many angioplasty and cardiac catheterization procedures through the wrist instead of the groin. Traditionally, doctors performed cardiac catheterizations by threading a catheter through the groin.

Current research suggests that the radial approach, which uses the wrist as an entry point rather than the groin, is safer for many patients. This procedure has many benefits, including:

• Fewer complications
• Less than half the amount of bleeding
• Less risk for future attacks

After a radial procedure, you can be back on your feet much faster than after a procedure through the groin.

State-of-the-art facilities

Innovation is at the heart of the Heart Institute’s cath lab, which uses cutting-edge imaging technology and implements the best practices in patient care.

• Dedicated cath labs
  We have 11 dedicated catheterization labs, more than any other hospital in the Washington, D.C., area. We manage our patients with the most technologically advanced diagnostic tests and treatments, including angioplasty, stents, lasers, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), brachytherapy, angiogenesis and gene therapy. We also offer three state-of-the-art cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanners.

• New hybrid labs
  Hybrid labs are operating rooms that support complex procedures involving both cardiac catheterization and cardiac surgery. The labs are wired for real-time electronic information transfer, image and video sharing for clinical care and training activities. This allows physicians to see your test results right away, meaning they can make treatment decisions immediately, improving patient outcomes.
  
  Cath lab physicians use this technology to work in close coordination with other Heart Institute facilities, physicians and emergency transport teams. Our labs allow for the transmission of real-time data from the field to the doctors, so they are prepared to make treatment decisions before the patient even enters the facility.

Emergency transport available

We planned our facilities around patient needs, so you don’t need to wait for care and treatment. We can admit patients to our cath lab from the Emergency Department in fewer than 60 minutes. We have four helicopter transport teams available to move patients around the region.

Our catheterization lab offers every cardiac service, including open heart surgery and heart transplantation, as well as clinical trials not available at other facilities.

Location:
MedStar Heart Institute
Cardiac Catheterization Lab
110 Irving Street, NW
Washington, DC 20010

For information or appointments, please call DOCtorsLine at 202-877-DOCS (3627).