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Vascular Suite
In March 2005 Tchefuncte Cardiovascular Associates (TCA) developed a Vascular Suite to accommodate our patients. This Suite is used to conduct invasive diagnostic studies, such as angiograms and venograms. These are special x-ray tests to find where an artery or vein is narrowed or blocked. Then treatment can be prescribed, such as angioplasty (balloon procedure), stents, surgery, or medical treatment. Sometimes treatment isn't necessary, but you need to continue to decrease those risk factors by lowering your blood pressure, stopping smoking, reducing the cholesterol in your blood, and staying physically active.
 1006 Harrison St.
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 871-4044
Across from the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Emergency Room
- You will be asked not to eat or drink anything after 12 Midnight the night prior to the test.
- You will arrive about 30 minutes prior to your test to get ready.
- You will be given medicine to help you relax.
- You will be placed on a hard table near a camera and other equipment.
- The doctor numbs a spot on your groin or arm and inserts a thin tub or catheter into an artery or vein. Then the tube is positioned where pictures need to be taken of the vessel.
- Special fluid known as contrast is injected through the catheter into the vessel so it will show up well on the x-ray.
- Many x-rays are taken as the fluid goes through the vessel.
- You may be asked to hold your breath or cough.
- You may wish to watch the x-ray on the screen or you may wish to sleep through the procedure.
- By studying the x-ray the physician can see problems in your arteries and veins, such as narrowing, blockages, or clots.
 Afterwards, pressure will be held at the entry site, usually the groin.- A dressing will be applied.
- You will be asked to keep the affected leg straight.
- You will rest on a stretcher for 2-3 hours after the procedure.
- The physician will explain the results to you and your family with recommendations.
- You will be encouraged to drink fluids and eat.
- After resting on the stretcher, you will be assisted to a chair to sit for a short period. You will also be assisted in walking short distances.
- Once you are awake, drinking fluids, tolerating solid food, and have gone to the bathroom, you may go home accompanied by a responsible adult.
- You will not be able to drive home due to the medications given earlier and the access site which can bleed if pressure is applied to the area.
Go to Patient Information on the Home Page to Conditions/Procedures for more detail.
- All TCA cardiologists performing this test have specialized training in invasive procedures and years of experience with these procedures.
- The TCA staff assisting with the procedures also have years of experience gained in hospital-based cardiac catherization labs and are certified in handling emergency situations.
- A Registered Nurse is dedicated to monitoring you throughout the procedure, including blood pressure, heart rate, heart rhythm, and oxygen levels.
- The suite has been equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to perform the x-rays and for emergency procedures.
- The suite is directly across the street from the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Emergency Room in case transport is necessary.
- The possibility of a serious complication from this procedure is less than ½ percent.
- Typically you will have received other non-invasive tests prior to these procedures. Your TCA physician will meet with you to discuss the results of those tests and options for further evaluation.
- The TCA Physician will request a procedure to be done at the Vascular Suite. The office staff will schedule the procedure to meet your needs.
- Paperwork will be completed by the office staff. You may decide where you would like to get your labwork completed before the scheduled test.
- You will be contacted by a nurse from the Vascular Suite prior to the procedure to give you detailed instructions, answer questions, and to obtain a complete history.
For more information regarding this service, contact Denise Gonsior RN, Team Leader at (985) 871-4044 or e-mail denise@tcaway.com.
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