Depending
on the number, severity and location of these obstructions,
the physician may refer the patient for medical therapy, bypass
surgery, or, if appropriate,
may treat the patient directly, using catheter-based techniques. These options
are discussed with the patient after the diagnostic catheterization.
Upon occasion, the cardiologist may suggest transforming the diagnostic test on the spot into a therapeutic procedure which, since the arterial "highway" has already been traversed, can be done, adding abo-ut an hour to the session.