Your child will be examined, and any tests that are needed before the cath will be done at this time. Your child will not be able to eat on the day of the cath, and you will be given specific diet information. You will be told what time to arrive at the Pediatric Cardiology Clinic the day before. The morning of your cath, your child will be given medication to make him or her sleepy during the test.
Many children sleep during the entire cath.
Small tubes are then passed from the groin, and occasionally other areas, into the child's heart. Important information about the heart's problems is obtained this way. The cath usually takes two to four hours to complete. After the test is over, your child will be admitted to a room on 5 West Mott, the Pediatric Cardiology Unit, in the hospital. The length of time your child will spend there will be determined by your child's doctor.