University Washington Cardiac Cath Lab

For individuals in Seattle, Washington, and the surrounding region requiring specialized diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures, the University of Washington Cardiac Catheterization Lab offers a state-of-the-art facility within the esteemed UW Medicine system. Located at 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA, this Cardiac Cath Lab plays a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of various heart conditions. While categorized under "Heart Doctor Near Me," it's important to understand that a Cardiac Catheterization Lab is a specialized unit where cardiologists perform specific procedures, often as part of a broader treatment plan managed by a referring physician or a cardiologist within the UW Medicine network. This introduction aims to provide local users with detailed information about the environment, services, and features of the University of Washington Cardiac Cath Lab.

As part of the University of Washington Medical Center, the Cardiac Cath Lab operates within a leading academic medical environment. This ensures access to cutting-edge technology, highly specialized medical professionals, and a commitment to the latest advancements in cardiovascular care. The environment within the Cath Lab is meticulously designed to facilitate complex and often minimally invasive procedures. It typically includes advanced imaging equipment such as fluoroscopy and angiography systems, allowing physicians to visualize the heart and blood vessels in real-time. The lab also houses sophisticated monitoring systems to track a patient's vital signs throughout the procedure. Patients undergoing procedures in the Cardiac Cath Lab can expect a sterile and controlled environment with a team of experienced nurses, technicians, and cardiologists dedicated to ensuring their safety and comfort.

The University of Washington Cardiac Cath Lab provides a range of essential diagnostic and interventional cardiology services. These services typically include:

• Diagnostic Coronary Angiography: A procedure where a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel (usually in the arm or groin) and guided to the heart. A contrast dye is then injected, and X-rays (angiograms) are taken to visualize the coronary arteries and identify any blockages or narrowing.
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) or Angioplasty: A therapeutic procedure performed during cardiac catheterization to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. This often involves inflating a small balloon at the site of the blockage to compress the plaque.
• Coronary Stenting: Following angioplasty, a small wire mesh tube (stent) is often placed in the artery to help keep it open and prevent future narrowing (restenosis). Various types of stents, including drug-eluting stents, may be used.
• Right Heart Catheterization: A procedure used to measure the pressures within the right side of the heart and the pulmonary artery. This is often performed to evaluate heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and other conditions.
• Left Heart Catheterization: While often combined with coronary angiography, a left heart catheterization can also assess the function of the left ventricle (the heart's main pumping chamber) and measure pressures within the left side of the heart.
• Balloon Valvuloplasty: A procedure to widen narrowed heart valves using a balloon-tipped catheter.
• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): A minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve without open-heart surgery. (The availability of highly specialized procedures like TAVR should be confirmed with the lab.)
• Other Interventional Procedures: Depending on the expertise of the cardiologists and the capabilities of the lab, other procedures such as closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) or atrial septal defect (ASD) may be performed.

The University of Washington Cardiac Cath Lab plays a crucial role in providing timely and effective treatments for acute cardiac events, such as heart attacks, as well as managing chronic heart conditions.

The features of the University of Washington Cardiac Cath Lab are closely tied to its affiliation with a leading academic medical center. These features often include:

• Highly Skilled and Experienced Cardiologists: Physicians performing procedures in an academic Cath Lab are typically experts in interventional cardiology and often involved in research and teaching.
• Advanced Technology and Imaging Systems: Access to state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization equipment ensures high-quality imaging and precise interventions.
• Multidisciplinary Team Approach: A team of specialized nurses, technicians, and support staff works collaboratively with the cardiologists to provide comprehensive patient care.
• Adherence to Stringent Safety Protocols: Cardiac catheterization procedures carry inherent risks, and academic medical centers prioritize strict safety measures and protocols.
• Integration with a Comprehensive Cardiovascular Program: The Cath Lab is part of a larger network of cardiovascular specialists and services within UW Medicine, ensuring coordinated care before, during, and after procedures.
• Commitment to Research and Innovation: Academic medical centers are often involved in clinical trials and the development of new techniques and technologies in interventional cardiology.

For local users seeking the highest level of expertise and advanced technology for cardiac catheterization procedures, the University of Washington Cardiac Cath Lab offers a significant advantage.

Regarding promotional information, it is uncommon for specialized medical units like a Cardiac Catheterization Lab to offer specific promotions to the public. However, as part of UW Medicine, the facility likely accepts a wide range of insurance plans. For local users, it is essential to verify insurance coverage prior to undergoing any procedures. Information regarding the referral process (cardiac catheterization typically requires a referral from a cardiologist), the process for scheduling procedures, and any patient information resources provided by UW Medicine would be valuable for prospective patients. Patients are usually referred to the Cardiac Cath Lab by their cardiologist or primary care physician based on their specific cardiac needs.

In conclusion, the University of Washington Cardiac Catheterization Lab, located in Seattle, provides a vital resource for local users requiring advanced diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures. As part of the renowned UW Medicine system, the lab offers a state-of-the-art environment, highly skilled cardiologists, and a commitment to patient safety and quality care. While it operates as a specialized unit within a larger medical framework, its role in diagnosing and treating a wide range of heart conditions makes it an essential component of the cardiovascular care available in the Seattle area. Individuals who have been referred for cardiac catheterization or who believe they may need such a procedure should consult with their cardiologist or primary care physician to discuss the services offered at the University of Washington Cardiac Cath Lab and the appropriate steps for accessing care.