A cardiac catheterization involves the passage of a catheter (a thin flexible tube) into the right or left side of the heart. Generally, this procedure is performed to obtain diagnostic information about the heart or its blood vessels, or to provide therapeutic interventions in certain types of heart conditions.

Cardiac catheterization can be used to determine pressure and blood flow in the heart's chambers, collect blood samples from the heart, and examine the arteries of the heart with an X-ray technique called fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy provides immediate visualization of the X-ray images on a screen and provides a permanent record of the procedure.

• When It Is Used
• Safety
• How to Prepare
• What to Expect
• To Schedule an Appointment
• How to Find Us

Cardiac catheterization is usually performed to evaluate cardiac valvular disease, coronary artery disease, or congenital heart abnormalities. It may also be used to determine the need for cardiac surgery.

Therapeutic catheterization may be used to restore flow to obstructed arteries by use of a balloon, stents, or grafts. Although rare, catheterization is also used to open stenotic (narrow) heart valves and to repair congenital defects.

Cardiac catheterization carries a slightly increased risk when compared with other heart tests. However, the test is very safe when performed by an experienced team. Generally, the risk or serious complications ranges from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 500. Generally, the risk or serious complications range from 1 in 1,000 for stroke or death, to 1 in 100 for minor bleeding, hematoma, cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), low blood pressure, and reaction to contrast agent.

Food and fluid are restricted six to eight hours before the test. The procedure takes place a clinic or hospital and you will be asked to wear a hospital gown. Sometimes, admission the night before the test is required. Otherwise, you will be admitted as an outpatient or an inpatient the morning of the procedure.

Your health care provider should explain the procedure and its risks. A witnessed, signed consent for the procedure is required.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to seafood, if you have had a bad reaction to contrast agents in the past, if you are taking Viagra, or if you might be pregnant.

This test is normally performed on adults. For specific information on preparing children and adolescents for the procedure, please contact your health care provider.

A cardiac catheterization is usually performed in a laboratory by a trained cardiologist. You will be awake and able to follow instructions during the catheterization, and you will be given a mild sedative prior to the procedure to help you relax. The entire procedure may last from one to several hours.

An intra-arterial sheath is inserted into one of the blood vessels in your arm or groin after the site has been cleansed and numbed with a local anesthetic.

A catheter is then inserted through the sheath and into your blood vessel. The catheter is carefully threaded into the heart. Once the catheter is in place, a contrasting agent is injected and pictures are taken, using an X-ray machine that produces real-time images.

After the test, the catheter is removed. You may feel a firm pressure at the insertion site, used to prevent bleeding. If the sheath is placed in your groin, you will usually be asked to lie flat on your back for a few hours after the test to avoid bleeding. Patients usually feel that this is the most uncomfortable part of the exam.

Rapid results are essential not only for your peace-of-mind, but also for your physician to begin planning any necessary treatment. Experienced cardiologists will read the scans and forward the results to your physician usually by the next business day.

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