Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory

The Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory, commonly known as the Cath Lab, at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) provides advanced diagnostic and interventional care for patients with heart and blood vessel conditions.

Equipped with advanced imaging and treatment technologies, our Cath Lab enables the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of cardiovascular conditions through minimally invasive procedures. These procedures are performed using a catheter—a thin, flexible tube inserted into a blood vessel, usually through the wrist or groin. This approach allows many heart and blood vessel conditions to be treated without the need for open-heart surgery.

Our multidisciplinary team includes experienced cardiologists, nurses, technologists, anaesthesia teams, and other support staff who work closely together to provide safe, timely, coordinated, and patient-centred care.

Why Choose the AKUH Cath Lab

• Experienced specialists: Our team includes specialists trained in interventional cardiology, heart rhythm disorders, structural heart conditions, and blood vessel diseases.

• Advanced technology: Sophisticated imaging and diagnostic technologies help doctors assess the heart and blood vessels and make informed treatment decisions.

• Comprehensive heart care: We offer a wide range of diagnostic and treatment procedures for coronary artery disease, heart valve and structural problems, abnormal heart rhythms, and certain blood vessel conditions.

• Adult and paediatric services: Select catheter-based procedures are available for both adults and children, with care tailored to each patient's age and medical condition.

• 24/7 emergency cardiac care: The Cath Lab operates around the clock for urgent heart conditions, including heart attacks that require immediate treatment.

• Patient-centred care: We recognise that heart procedures can be stressful for patients and their families. Our team explains each procedure, answers questions, and provides care focused on safety, comfort, privacy, and dignity.

Our Procedures and Services

The Cath Lab at AKUH offers a broad range of diagnostic and minimally invasive treatments for heart and blood vessel conditions.

What to Expect

Before Your Procedure

Your doctor and healthcare team will explain the planned procedure and provide specific instructions to help you prepare.

After Your Procedure

You will be monitored in a recovery or clinical care area. Your recovery time and length of hospital stay will depend on the procedure and your medical condition. Some patients go home the same day, while others may need to stay in hospital for further monitoring and treatment.

Emergency Cardiac Care

The AKUH Cath Lab provides 24-hour emergency cardiac care for patients who require urgent catheter-based treatment. This includes emergency treatment for eligible patients experiencing an acute heart attack, when restoring blood flow to the heart as quickly as possible is critical.

Emergency care relies on close coordination between the emergency department, cardiology team, Cath Lab team, nursing staff, anaesthesia services, and other relevant specialists.

A Team Approach to Your Care

Heart conditions often require the combined expertise of several specialists. At AKUH, your care may involve cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, cardiac surgeons, cardiac anaesthesiologists, nurses, technologists, and other specialists, as needed. This coordinated, team-based approach helps ensure that your diagnosis and treatment plan are tailored to your individual needs.

Recognised for Excellence in Heart Attack Care

The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, has been recognised for its sustained excellence in the care and treatment of patients experiencing heart attacks. AKUH has received the Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for three consecutive years, from 2024 to 2026, recognising its continued commitment to high-quality, evidence-based cardiac care.

Prior to achieving Platinum status, AKUH received the Silver Performance Achievement Award in 2023, reflecting its continued progress in advancing the quality and consistency of cardiac care.

The Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award is presented by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR). The registry supports hospitals in applying evidence-based clinical guidelines and established standards to improve the quality, safety, and outcomes of care for patients with coronary artery disease.

This recognition reflects AKUH's commitment to delivering timely, safe, evidence-based, and internationally benchmarked heart care, with a continued focus on improving outcomes for patients experiencing heart attacks.