A stress test with pictures could help determine if she has severe blockages of her heart arteries. A stress test would not be as accurate as a catheterization, though.
Is there any other test that can be done on the heart that will not damage the kidneys but give the same info as the catheterization/
I cannot say without reviewing all the data regarding your mother's case. Your mother should approach a possible catheterization with the understanding that temporary or permanent dialysis may be necessary. Only if she is willing to accept this risk should she proceed.
What are the statistics on survival once the patient is on kidney dialysis. And what are the statistics concerning temporary dialysis, how likely is it that the kidneys would stop functioning all together if we went ahead with the catherization?
Is there any other test that give the needed info to a surgeon but would not pose such a risk to the kidneys?
You could call the 1-800-CCF-CARE number and ask for an appointment with one of the cardiologists who specializes in heart failure. These doctors are very familiar with who might or might not benefit from a transplant.
Where do we start, her doctor is willing to refer her but is not familiar with this clinic. Is there a doctor that can be recommended?
A catheterization could be done, however there would be a good chance that your mother would need dialysis for at least a short time after the procedure, if not permanently. However, it would only be worthwhile to do the catheterization if she was a candidate for surgery - this would need to be determined ahead of time.