Congratulations Sharon, the first patient to have a heart catheterization procedure in the new hospital! Said Sharon “It took all of 10 minutes, it was way easier than I expected. There was a time I could see the dye in my heart.”
During a heart catheterization, the cardiologist inserts a thin tube, known as a catheter, into the wrist and carefully guides it through the radial artery to access the coronary arteries of the heart. Using advanced imaging technology, such as fluoroscopy, the doctor captures detailed, real-time images of the heart from multiple angles. The flow of contrast dye is monitored on a large screen as it travels through the coronary arteries, helping to identify any blockages that may be restricting blood flow to the heart. If a blockage is detected, a balloon is used to open the artery, followed by the placement of a stent to ensure the artery remains open. The procedure is then completed.
What was once considered an emergency procedure can now be scheduled in advance if a potential blockage is suspected. Throughout the procedure, the patient is lightly sedated and carefully monitored by the cardiologist, a radiology technologist, and two nurses.
With no history of cardiac problems in her family, Sharon wasn’t sure what she was in for. When Dr. De Schutter mentioned she could wait for the cath lab to open to have her procedure or go someplace else, she was happy to wait. “It meant the world to me and my husband to not have to go to Carson City or Reno. It’s so much more convenient for us seniors to not drive far.”
“I was so blown away knowing I was the first patient, and everyone in the room moved with such purpose and efficiency. I’m very impressed with everything, start to finish,” said Sharon. She had almost no down-time after her procedure and is back to feeling 100% again.
The dedicated Cardiology team at Carson Valley Health look forward to continuing to serve our community. For more information and to discuss your referral call 775.364.1400.
