A Cath lab (short for catheterisation laboratory) is a specialised hospital room designed to diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions. It is equipped with advanced imaging and monitoring tools that allow doctors to see the heart and arteries in real time, perform minimally invasive procedures, and closely monitor a patient’s condition. Cath labs are an essential part of modern cardiology, enabling faster recovery and safer treatments compared with traditional open-heart surgery.
What is a Cath lab?
A Cath lab is a high-tech medical facility where cardiologists perform procedures using small tubes called catheters. These procedures can include angiograms, angioplasties, stent placements, and pacemaker insertions. Unlike conventional surgery, Cath lab procedures are minimally invasive, often requiring only a small incision in an artery or vein. This reduces complications, hospital stays, and recovery time.
How a Cath lab works
A Cath lab uses imaging technology to guide catheters through blood vessels to the heart. The process typically involves:
- inserting a thin, flexible catheter into an artery or vein, usually in the wrist or groin
- using x-ray imaging to navigate the catheter safely to the heart
- performing diagnostic tests or treatments, such as angioplasty or stent placement
- monitoring the patient’s heart activity using devices such as an ECG machine
The ECG machine is essential for continuously checking the heart’s electrical activity during procedures and ensuring any irregularities are detected immediately.
Purpose of Cath lab
The main purposes of a Cath lab include:
- Diagnosing heart problems, such as blocked arteries or abnormal heart rhythms
- Treating heart conditions without the need for open-heart surgery
- Monitoring heart function during and after procedures to ensure safety
- Providing emergency interventions for heart attacks or other critical events
Cath labs allow doctors to provide accurate diagnosis and treatment in a controlled environment, which improves patient outcomes and reduces recovery time.
Equipment used in a Cath lab
A Cath lab requires several specialised machines and tools to perform procedures safely and effectively:
- X-ray fluoroscopy machine – provides real-time imaging of the heart and blood vessels
- ECG machine – monitors the heart’s electrical activity during procedures
- Defibrillator machine – restores normal heart rhythm in emergencies
- Catheters and guidewires – allow doctors to navigate and treat blocked arteries
- Contrast media injectors – enhance imaging by highlighting blood vessels on X-ray
Risks and safety considerations in Cath lab procedures
Although Cath lab procedures are generally safe, some risks exist. Patients should be aware of the following:
- Bleeding or infection at the catheter insertion site
- Allergic reactions to contrast dye
- Damage to blood vessels or formation of blood clots
- Radiation exposure, which is minimal with modern equipment
- Heart rhythm disturbances, which can be managed immediately using a defibrillator machine
Strict safety protocols, sterilised equipment, and continuous monitoring by trained staff help minimise these risks.
Cost of Cath lab procedures in India
| Procedure | Typical cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Coronary angiogram | 15,000 – 50,000 |
| Angioplasty | 80,000 – 2,50,000 |
| Stent placement | 1,00,000 – 3,00,000 |
| Pacemaker implant | 2,00,000 – 5,00,000 |
The cost varies depending on the hospital, city, type of procedure, and specific equipment used.
Difference between a Cath lab and an operating room
| Feature | Cath lab | Operating room |
|---|---|---|
| Type of procedures | Minimally invasive heart procedures | Open surgeries |
| Equipment | Imaging machines, catheters, ECGs | Surgical instruments, anaesthesia |
| Recovery time | Short, often same-day discharge | Longer, requires hospital stay |
| Staff | Cardiologists, nurses, technicians | Surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses |
While operating rooms are designed for major surgeries, Cath labs focus on precise, image-guided heart treatments.
Financing options for starting a Cath lab
Starting a Cath lab requires significant investment. Some options to fund the setup include:
- Bank loans for doctors tailored for building medical facilities, which can help cover construction and initial setup costs.
- Medical equipment finance to purchase high-cost diagnostic and treatment machines, ensuring access to the latest technology.
- Leasing options for expensive imaging and monitoring equipment, reducing upfront capital requirements
These options make it easier for hospitals and clinics to invest in modern cardiac care without financial strain.
Conclusion
Cath labs have revolutionised cardiac care, offering safer, faster, and minimally invasive treatments. With access to modern medical equipment and flexible financing solutions like loans for doctors, hospitals and clinics in India can provide high-quality heart care, ensuring better outcomes and faster recovery for patients.
