Catheterization Laboratories (Cath Lab)

Washington Hospital's state-of-the-art digital vascular imaging laboratories demonstrate the hospital district's commitment to providing the highest quality care with leading technology. More than 3,500 adult cardiac, vascular and electrophysiology patients annually benefit from the equipment's exceptionally fast, high-resolution imaging.

The populations served by the catheterization laboratories is inclusive of all adults with arteriosclerotic heart disease, valvular disease, dysrhythmias, peripheral vascular disease, pulmonary disease and neurovascular disease.

The laboratories specialize in interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, neuroradiology and interventional radiology. The diagnostic procedures performed in the labs typically use the administration of contrast media for visualization of selective anatomical structures and measurement of pressures and blood flow for determination of vascular integrity. In addition to contrast media, interventional procedures use a vast array of balloons, stents, cutters and wires to support vessels and provide a minimally invasive choice for patients when treatment is necessary.

Some of the procedures performed include:

• 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

Fast Treatment for Heart Attacks

As a designated cardiac receiving center for Alameda County, Washington Hospital 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.