Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
If you're experiencing heart or blood vessel problems, our cardiac catheterization laboratory (Cath Lab) provides advanced, minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat heart and vascular conditions.
Each year, more than 3,500 patients receive care in our Cath Lab. We treat adults with a wide range of heart and vascular conditions, including blocked arteries, heart valve disease, heart rhythm disorders, peripheral artery disease, pulmonary vascular conditions, and certain neurovascular disorders.
How the Cath Lab helps patients
Many procedures performed in the Cath Lab use a thin, flexible tube called a catheter that is guided through a blood vessel to the area being treated. This approach allows physicians to see inside the heart and blood vessels, diagnose problems, and perform treatments through small incisions.
For many patients, minimally invasive procedures may offer benefits such as:
- Smaller incisions
- Less discomfort
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery times
- Reduced need for traditional surgery
Some of the procedures performed
- Cardiac angiography
- Peripheral angiography
- Implantation of pacemakers
- Implantation of internal cardiac defibrillators
- Coronary angioplasty
- Peripheral angioplasty
- Coronary stent placement including drug- eluting stents
- Peripheral stent placement
- Electrophysiologic mapping
- Aortic stent graph
- Carotid stent
- Vertebroplasty
- Stenting of aneurysms
- Vascular stent placement including newly developed drug eluting stents
- Removal of blood clots
- Neurointervention
- Pacemaker and bi-ventricular device placements
- Insertion of newly developed leadless pacemaker
- Renal artery disease
- Mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER)
- Tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER)
- Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO)
- Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR)
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) Closure
- Atrial septal defect (ASD) Closure
Why patients choose Washington Health
- Minimally invasive treatment options
- Faster diagnosis and treatment
- Experienced heart and vascular specialists
- Advanced imaging for precise care
- Rapid response for heart attack emergencies
- Coordinated care from diagnosis through recovery
Our Locations
Fast Treatment for Heart Attacks
As a designated cardiac receiving center for Alameda County, Washington Health is committed to restoring blood flow to the heart as quickly as possible. This means getting people who are experiencing a heart attack to the Cath Lab for angioplasty as soon as possible. Working with paramedics in the field helps the Emergency Department (ED) staff be fully prepared to receive a heart attack patient. Paramedics send electrocardiogram (EKG) results ahead to the ED and on-call cardiologist for diagnosis. This way, the Cath Lab team can have a room ready for the patient when they arrive at the Hospital.
If you think you or someone near you is experiencing a heart attack or a stroke, call 911 immediately.
Care Rooted in Your Community
Built on 75 years of service and commitment
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We Listen, Then ActWe assess community needs, then build new services to fill those gaps.
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Putting Words Into ActionWe serve alongside neighbors through local boards, organizations, and civic groups.
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Care from Your NeighborsOur staff is made up of your neighbors, reflecting the community we all serve.
From primary care to specialized treatment, we're here for you.