Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Laboratory
The Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Laboratory, often simply referred to as the Cardiac Cath Lab or Cath Lab, is a specialized area within Anderson’s Hospital dedicated to diagnosing and treating heart and vascular conditions. This unique service in the area is equipped with advanced medical equipment and staffed by highly trained medical professionals, including American-Board experienced cardiologists and specialized nurses. It serves as a critical part of a hospital's cardiology department and plays a central role in the diagnosis and treatment of heart-related conditions.
Key functions of our Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Laboratory include:
1. Cardiac Catheterization and Angiography: This procedure involves threading a catheter through blood vessels to access the heart and perform diagnostic tests. Contrast dye is injected into the coronary arteries and X-ray images are taken to identify blockages or abnormalities in the blood vessels supplying the heart.
2. Electrophysiology Studies: Electrophysiology is the study of the heart's electrical system. Electrophysiology studies are conducted in our Hospital to diagnose and treat heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.
3. Cardiac Interventions: Our cardiac catheterization lab is equipped for various coronary interventions, including angioplasty and stent placement to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. This is often performed in cases of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) or in individuals with severe coronary artery disease. Also, electrophysiologists use catheters to deliver energy to specific areas of the heart to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Some procedures are also performed to implant and manage implantable cardiac devices, such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices.
4. Monitoring and Mapping: The electrophysiology lab utilizes specialized equipment for real-time monitoring and mapping of the heart's electrical activity during procedures. Some equipment are used for real-time monitoring while you are resting at home such as Holter ECG and ABPM.
The Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Laboratory at Anderson’s Hospital is a critical part of the cardiology department and plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and treating heart conditions. It allows for minimally invasive procedures that can significantly improve the quality of life and outcomes for patients with various heart-related issues. This service is unique and rarely provided in Rivers State and around Nigeria.