Cardiac Catheterization
Overview:
This is a procedure done on the heart. In it, a thin plastic tube (catheter) is placed into an artery or vein in the arm or leg. From there it can be advanced into the chambers of the heart or into the coronary arteries.
Detailed Information:
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure similar to angioplasty that lets the doctor view your coronary arteries.
 | Cardiac Catheterization
Image Courtesy of Guidant Corporation
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The doctor places a catheter in an artery in your arm, groin, neck, or leg, then threads it to your heart. The doctor watches the path of the catheter through the coronary arteries on a monitor.
First, the catheter measures your blood pressure to see how well it is pumping blood. Next, a special liquid is sent to your artery through the catheter. This liquid allows your doctor to view your arterial blockages with an X-ray machine and diagnose your condition. Following the procedure, you will probably have to stay in the hospital for six hours to ensure that the wound site does not bleed.
During a cardiac catheterization, your doctor can also take a tissue sample of your heart muscle for biopsy.
Last updated: 03-Jun-04
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