Anaesthesia in the cardiac catheterization laboratory

Anaesthetists play a key role in the management of patients in the cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab), both for elective and emergency procedures. Safe and effective provision of anaesthesia relies on a thorough appreciation of the setup of the cath lab and an understanding of the ever-increasing range of procedures carried out in the angiography suite. This article provides an overview of general considerations for working in this challenging environment within the hospital, as well as outlining key cardiology subspecialties and their requisites for the anaesthetist: electrophysiology, structural, interventional, devices and mechanical circulatory support.