catheterization laboratory (cath lab)

A catheterization laboratory, or cath lab, is a specialized hospital room equipped with advanced imaging technology used by cardiologists to diagnose and treat heart conditions. During procedures, thin tubes called catheters are inserted into blood vessels, often through the groin or arm, to examine or repair the heart and blood vessels. The cath lab allows for procedures like angiograms, which visualize blood flow, or interventions like stent placement to open blocked arteries. It provides a controlled, sterile environment with real-time imaging, enabling precise and minimally invasive treatments that can improve heart health and reduce recovery time.