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Interventional Heart Catheterization

ElectrophysiologyAt UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, we believe parents and guardians can contribute to the success of this procedure, and we invite you to participate. Please read the following information to learn about the procedure and how you can help. 

Learn more about Cardiac Catheterization services at Children's.

Fast Facts About Interventional Heart Catheterization

  • An interventional heart catheterization is the treatment or repair of a heart condition during a heart catheterization, through the use of special devices.
  • A cardiac catheterization or “heart cath” is a minimally invasive procedure which allows the doctor to look inside the heart through just a few pokes in the skin.
  • Your child’s doctor will explain the specific interventional procedure your child may need before the heart cath.
  • The interventional heart cath is done in a special room called a catheterization laboratory or “cath lab.”  
  • Your child will have general anesthesia or sedation for the interventional heart cath, depending on what your child’s doctor decides. General anesthesia will make him or her sleep throughout the entire procedure; sedation will make him or her very drowsy .
  • When anesthesia or sedation are needed, there are special rules for eating and drinking that must be followed in the hours before the heart cath.
  • An interventional heart cath can take from 2 to 5 hours to complete, depending on what is being done, and your child probably will need to stay overnight afterward. You and your child should come to the hospital prepared to stay overnight.

Contact Us

To refer a patient, visit our health care professionals page or complete our online form.

Patients or families can contact the Heart Institute by email at CHPHeartReferral@chp.edu, by phone at 412-663-6091, or by completing our online form.