Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac Catheterization
This diagnostic procedure involves the right and left side of the heart and can reveal:
- Location and severity of disease in coronary arteries and veins
- Determine the strength of different segments of the heart muscle
- Evaluate the valves and pressure in each of the heart’s chambers
The purpose of this procedure is to help you and your physician decide the best course of therapy for you. The procedure is mostly performed through either the right or the left groin but occasionally the right or left arm can be used.
Sedation is given through an IV prior to the procedure for comfort. Small tubes are then passed through the arteries and or veins of the heart. Contrast solution is then injected into the vessels to visualize the areas with x-rays. The procedure is not painful. As with any procedure there are risks, but it is important to remember that the importance of the information gained outweighs the risks.
On the day of your procedure come to Admissions in the main lobby for check-in, bring your physician orders and DO NOT wear lotion or bath powder.
Related Health Content
Cardiac Catheterization
December 1, 2011
...
Atrial Septal Defect Repair in Children -- Transcatheter Procedure
June 1, 2011
An atrial septal defect is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers (right and left atriums) of the heart. A transcatheter procedure is a minimally-invasive way to repair the hole. During this procedure, a device is implanted to seal the hole. As your child recovers, the device will trigger ...
Cardiac Tamponade
September 1, 2011
Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid builds up between the heart muscle and the surrounding tissue (called the pericardium). This fluid compresses the heart. Because of this, enough blood cannot be pumped in and out of the heart. This condition can be life-threatening. With proper treatment, prognos ...
Heart Murmur
September 1, 2011
A heart murmur is an abnormal sound made by turbulent blood flow in the heart. It sounds like whooshing or swishing with each heartbeat. Some adults and many children have incidental heart murmurs that are harmless (benign) and are not caused by abnormalities in the heart. At least 30% of children m ...
Ventricular Septal Defect
September 1, 2011
A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a defect in the wall (septum) between the heart's two lower chambers (ventricles). A septal defect is often referred to as a "hole" in the heart. Normally, the right side of the heart receives oxygen-poor blood and pumps it to the lungs where it is filled with o ...