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Cardiac Catheterization
The cardiac catheterization laboratory performs tests and procedures to analyze and correct circulatory problems of the heart.
Sample procedures:
- Coronary angiogram: This is the most common test performed in the cardiac catheterization lab. It checks the blood flow though the arteries that supply the heart muscle with the oxygen it needs to function. MeritCare does approximately 1,900 coronary angiograms each year. (Read more)
- Ventriculargram: This test, which looks at the functioning of the heart valves, as well as the strength of the heart muscle, is routinely done with all coronary angiograms.
- Coronary Angioplasty: In this procedure, a balloon catheter is used to dilate a blocked heart artery (or arteries) to restore blood flow. (Read more)
- Coronary Artery Stent Placement: Here, a device is inserted within the heart vessel to keep it open while healing takes place. MeritCare performs 650 stents each year.