Medical College of Wisconsin Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
The cardiovascular laboratory/cardiac catheterization laboratory is the subspecialty area of cardiology care where invasive procedures are performed. Cardiologists who specialize in invasive techniques perform a full range of procedures in a team approach with other cardiologists and specialists from other disciplines.
The laboratory differs from other areas of cardiology in that the procedures are invasive—they involve the direct measurement or placement of devices in the heart or vascular system. Both cardiac and vascular procedures are performed in the laboratory using state-of-the-art digital imaging with intravascular ultrasound and coronary flow measures as needed.
Around the clock angiography, interventions, and mechanical hemodynamic support is available for patients with acute coronary syndromes and myocardial infarction. Similarly, consultation for complex coronary interventions is available as needed. Evaluation for heart failure, heart transplantation, and pulmonary hypertension is performed in the laboratory.
Percutaneous coronary interventions include PTCA, stenting – bare and drug eluting – atherectomy, and radiation-brachytherapy are performed in the laboratory. Other procedures, such as valvuloplasty, percutaneous closure of PFO and ASD, and various others are utilized for our patients. Vascular, diagnostic and interventional procedures are also performed in the laboratory.
In addition to routine clinical activities, patients have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials of techniques, pharmaceuticals, and devices. These efforts offer a broad range of integrated clinical services in an academic environment allowing patients to achieve optimal cardiovascular care.
For scheduling and more information, visit Froedtert Hospital's Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory page.