Cardiac Catheterization Lab

Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic procedure used to detect blockages and/or narrowing in the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that bring blood to the heart muscle. Dye is injected into the arteries using a “catheter” (a long narrow tube) and x-ray pictures are taken to help the doctor see the outline of the arteries. The test can also be used to measure how well the valves and muscles are working.

An angioplasty is a procedure used to help open blocked arteries. A catheter with a special balloon is put into the coronary artery at the site which is narrowed. By inflating the balloon it compresses the blockage to the sides of the artery and stretches the artery slightly, allowing blood to flow freely once more.

If your doctor schedules you for this test you may arrive as an outpatient and go home the same day, in that case it is very important for you to follow the instructions of your healthcare provider and we will contact you prior to your test and send you an information package.

The Cath lab is located on the basement floor at Windsor Regional Hospital-Ouellette Campus. 

From the Ouellette Avenue Entrance: Take the main elevators to the basement. You will see a red line along the walls as you approach the Cath Lab. Turn right and follow the hallway down the ramp to the end. 

From the Goyeau Street Entrance:  Follow the staircase down, on the left side of the Coffee Bar. Walk through the cafeteria and turn right into the basement area. Continue past the main elevators and follow the hallway down a ramp to the end. You will see a red line along the walls as you approach the Cath Lab.