What Is Cardiac Catheterization and Why It Is Done?
More about Cardiac Catheterization
During Cardiac Catheterization
Connect with Dr. Arun for Cardiac Catheterization
What Is Cardiac Catheterization and Why It Is Done?
It is a procedure to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions. It is also called cardiac cath, cardiac angiography or coronary angiography. In this procedure, a long, thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a large blood vessel in the neck or leg and threaded through to the heart. Cardiac catheterization is done to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions. It can be used to diagnose heart problems, such as coronary artery disease, or to determine the cause of unexplained chest pain. It can also be used to treat heart conditions, such as abnormal heart rhythms. The procedure of cardiac catheterization can be done at the time of diagnosing or treating the following conditions:
- Heart failure
- Heart valve diseases
- Coronary artery diseases
- Congenital heart diseases
- Microvascular heart diseases
More about Cardiac Catheterization
It can be performed simultaneously with another heart-related procedure, as follows:
- Widening of narrowed arteries (angioplasty) with/without stenting
- Treatment of irregular heart rhythms with cold/hot energies (cardiac ablation)
- Closure of heart holes & repair other congenital defects in the heart
- Open narrowing heart valves (balloon valvuloplasty)
- Repair or replace heart valves (heart valve surgeries)
During Cardiac Catheterization
During the procedure of cardiac catheterization, a long, thin tube called a catheter will be inserted into a large vein (blood vessel), usually in the neck or leg, or your arm. The catheter would be threaded after that via the vein that is going to your heart. Once the catheter is in place, a special dye is injected into the blood vessels of your heart, which will be used to take pictures of the heart or to measure the pressure in the heart chambers. This dye would help in making your blood vessel(s) visible on the X-ray. The catheter may also be used to take a sample of blood from the heart or to inject medication into the heart. Cardiac catheterization is done to:
- Find out how well your heart is pumping(left/ right ventriculogram)
- Diagnose any heart valve disease(s)
- Determine the reason for chest pain
- Find the cause for gasping (shortness of breath)
- Examine blood vessel(s) for any blood clot(s)
- Find blockages in the coronary arteries
- Diagnose any by-birth heart problems (congenital defects in the heart)
- Treat certain heart conditions
- Locate narrowed/blocked blood vessels, which can lead to chest pain (angiogram)
- Take tissue samples from heart (biopsy)
- Measure pressure as well as oxygen level in different parts of your heart (hemodynamic assessment)
After Cardiac Catheterization
After the procedure, the catheter will be removed and the incision will be closed with a stitch or a staple. You will then be taken to a recovery room to rest for a few hours.
Connect with Dr. Arun for Cardiac Catheterization
If you have a heart condition, you may be recommended cardiac catheterization. This procedure is a safe and effective procedure that can provide important information about your heart and help in planning the best treatment for you. Complications from the procedure are rare but are still there, so you need an expert for the said task; you can connect with Dr. Arun for the best service.
