Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or wrist, and threaded through to the heart. This allows doctors to measure pressures and oxygen levels within the heart chambers and blood vessels, as well as to inject contrast dye to visualize the arteries and chambers of the heart using X-ray or fluoroscopy.
Cardiac catheterization is commonly used to:
- Diagnose coronary artery disease by assessing the blood flow through the coronary arteries.
- Evaluate the function of the heart valves and chambers.
- Measure pressures within the heart to assess for conditions like heart failure.
- Assess for congenital heart defects.
- Perform interventions such as angioplasty and stent placement to open blocked arteries.
It’s an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of various heart conditions, providing valuable information to guide further management. While generally considered safe, there are risks associated with cardiac catheterization, such as bleeding, infection, and damage to blood vessels or the heart.