Catherization ?

Hi all , I am having this procedure tomorrow, I was wondering , are you awake during this and how long does it usually take?

Or any advice that you have would be great also.

Thanks Trish

Haven't had a catheterization yet, but I understand they're done under twilight sedation, you're not quite anesthetized deeply, but you should be relaxed. I know a man that had brain surgery, he had to be awake. He said the moment they gave him the shot all fear was gone.

I found the following at the Cleveland Clinic.

"Will I be awake during the procedure?

Yes. You will be given a mild sedative to relax you, but you will be awake and conscious during the entire procedure. The doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the catheter insertion site.

Cardiac catheterization is not considered a surgical procedure because there is no large incision used to open the chest, and the recovery time is much shorter than that of surgery.

How long does the procedure last?

The cardiac catheterization procedure itself generally takes 30 minutes, but the preparation and recovery time add several hours to your appointment time (five to nine hours or longer). Please plan on staying at Cleveland Clinic all day for the procedure."

Good luck, let us know how it went.