What is a cath lab?

A Cath Lab, short for catheterization laboratory, is a specialized medical facility where doctors perform minimally invasive tests and procedures to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions. Common procedures include angiograms, angioplasty, and the placement of stents using catheters inserted through blood vessels. The Cath Lab is equipped with advanced imaging technology that allows real-time visualization of the heart and blood vessels. Patients are typically awake during most procedures, which are generally less invasive than traditional surgery and often require shorter recovery times.