Cardiac catheterization is considered the best method of diagnosing various forms of heart disease. Through the use of a monitor that allows the doctor to see how your heart is functioning real-time, the doctor is able to diagnose a number of different forms of heart disease and abnormalities.Cardiac catherization consists of a catheter, or long narrow tube, being threaded into a blood vessel in the patient’s arm or thigh. Through the use of the x-ray machine and monitor, the doctor is able to guide the catheter to the heart.In addition, this image is made more visible with contrast dye, which is injected through the catheter.
What to Expect
ardiac catheterization, this will usually take place in the hospital. The procedure itself only lasts about 30 minutes, but with preparation, it will most likely take all day.
Once you change into a hospital gown, you will lay on a hospital table and the doctor or nurse will start an IV. The skin where the catheter will be inserted will be cleansed and shaved, and electrodes used to monitor the heart will be placed on your chest. The electrodes are hooked up to the ECG machine, which will monitor the heart’s electrical activity during the procedure.
Although you will be awake for the procedure, you will most likely be given a sedative that will aid you in relaxation. In addition, the doctor will numb the area where the catherter will be inserted. Once you are numbed, the doctor will make a small incision over the blood vessel, and then the catheter will be inserted through it. From there, it will be threaded through the arteries and to the heart. This is not painful. The catheter is generally inserted in either the groin or arm.
Durimg the procedure, the x-ray will take photographs of your arteries and the heart and its surrounding areas. The doctor will give you a series of instructions, including holding your breath, coughing, or taking a deep breath while the x-rays are taken. Once they have all been taken, the catheter will be removed.
Once the procedure has been finished, the catheter and sheath used to insert the cathter will be removed. The incision where the catheter is inserted will require stiches. While you will be able to move around after the procedure, you will be observed for a few hours in order to make sure there were no complications or risks as a result of the procedure. Sometimes, the doctor will give you pain medication, as the area where the catheter was inserted may be sore.
Risks
Cardiac catheterization is a common procedure and risks associated with it are rare. However, some of the risks invovled may include:
Bleeding around the point of puncture and insertion of the catheter
Abnormal heart rhythms (palpitations)
Blood clots
Infection
Allergic reaction to the dye
Stroke
Heart attack
Perforation of a blood vessel
Cardiac catheterization is an effective tool in diagnosing heart disease and from there, determining the best point of action to take. Although it can be uncomfortable after the initial procedure and after the sedative wears off, cardiac catheterization is fast and does not emit harmful radiation. In addition, it is performed in the hospital, so if harmful effects result, they can be addressed and treated immediately.