Cath Lab – UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital

At UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital, an advanced Cath Lab service is available for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions.

The Cath Lab operates based on cardiac catheterization, a technique that involves inserting a catheter in the blood vessels (typically through a femoral, radial, or brachial access) to reach the heart and analyze its structure and function.

Goals and Applications

• Accurate diagnosis: Allows precise measurement of intracardiac pressure and blood flow, identifying coronary stenoses, valvular insufficiencies, or other abnormalities.
• Direct visualization: Through the injection of contrast media and the use of coronary angiography, detailed images of the coronary arteries are obtained to identify obstructions or narrowing.
• Interventions: Cath Lab procedures go beyond diagnosis, serving as the initial step for treatments such as coronary angioplasty with stent placement.

When It Is Indicated

Invasive diagnostics is recommended when non-invasive tests (such as echocardiograms or cardiac MRIs) do not provide sufficient information, or when there is a need to plan targeted therapeutic interventions.

Available Interventional and Invasive Diagnostic Procedures

All procedures are carried out by a highly qualified team, ensuring precision and safety for every patient.

• Coronarography and Coronary Angioplasty
  Coronarography is the gold standard for coronary imaging, enabling precise identification of the location, severity, and morphology of coronary stenoses or occlusions responsible for symptoms or abnormalities detected during non-invasive tests. For intermediate stenoses, fractional flow reserve (FFR) studies can provide a direct functional assessment. The procedure, performed via radial or femoral arterial access, involves the introduction of a catheter to study the anatomy and functionality of the heart and coronary arteries. When necessary, coronary angioplasty using a balloon and stent placement (small metallic tubes) ensures long-term effectiveness in dilating the coronary arteries. The plan of care, from diagnosis to treatment, is managed by a team of interventional cardiologists, radiologic technicians, and specialized nurses to ensure optimal care and precision.
• Electrophysiology
  Electrophysiology procedures can be diagnostic (electrophysiological study of the heart) or interventional (ablation). The team at UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital is skilled in implanting temporary and permanent pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, and treating cardiac arrhythmias.
  We specifically offer targeted treatments for atrial fibrillation and other hyperkinetic arrhythmias through catheter ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that destroys the areas of heart tissue responsible for rhythm disorders.
• Electrical cardioversion: a functional procedure to stop arrhythmias.
• Pacemaker and automatic defibrillator implantation.