Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive diagnostic and interventional procedure used to evaluate and treat conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It allows cardiologists to examine coronary arteries, heart chambers, heart valves, and blood flow with high precision, helping to diagnose cardiovascular disease and, in many cases, provide immediate treatment.

This procedure plays a critical role in the diagnosis and management of coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, valvular disorders, and other cardiac conditions.

Purpose of Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is performed to:

diagnose coronary artery disease and identify arterial blockages;

assess heart chamber pressures and blood oxygen levels;

evaluate heart valve function;

detect congenital heart abnormalities;

determine the severity of cardiovascular conditions;

guide treatment decisions and surgical planning.

In many cases, cardiac catheterization can also be used therapeutically during the same procedure.

Conditions Diagnosed and Treated

Cardiac catheterization may be recommended for patients with:

chest pain (angina);

suspected or known coronary artery disease;

abnormal stress test or imaging results;

heart valve disease;

heart failure;

congenital heart defects;

cardiomyopathy;

certain cardiac arrhythmias.

Interventional Procedures Performed During Catheterization

Depending on the clinical findings, cardiac catheterization may include:

Coronary angiography to visualize coronary arteries;

Balloon angioplasty to open narrowed or blocked arteries;

Coronary stent placement to restore and maintain blood flow;

Valve assessment or intervention (in selected cases);

Hemodynamic measurements and contrast studies.

How the Procedure Is Performed

The procedure is performed in a specialized cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Local anesthesia and mild sedation are administered for patient comfort.

A thin, flexible catheter is inserted through an artery or vein, usually in the wrist (radial artery) or groin (femoral artery).

The catheter is carefully guided to the heart under real-time X-ray imaging.

Contrast dye is injected to visualize blood vessels and heart structures.

Diagnostic imaging and/or interventional treatment is performed as indicated.

The catheter is removed, and pressure or a closure device is applied to the access site.

The procedure typically lasts 30–90 minutes, depending on its complexity.

Benefits of Cardiac Catheterization

high diagnostic accuracy;

minimally invasive alternative to open surgery;

ability to diagnose and treat conditions in a single procedure;

rapid recovery and shorter hospital stay;

precise guidance for further medical or surgical care.

Preparation and Aftercare

Preparation:

Patients may be asked to fast for several hours before the procedure.

Blood tests and imaging studies may be required in advance.

Patients should inform their physician about medications, allergies (especially to contrast dye), and existing medical conditions.

Aftercare:

Patients are monitored for several hours or overnight, depending on the procedure.

Mild bruising or soreness at the catheter insertion site may occur.

Activity restrictions may be recommended for a short period.

Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days.

Safety and Risks

Cardiac catheterization is a well-established and generally safe procedure when performed by experienced cardiologists. Potential risks, though uncommon, include:

bleeding or hematoma at the access site;

allergic reaction to contrast dye;

infection;

blood vessel injury;

heart rhythm disturbances;

heart attack or stroke (rare).

Strict safety protocols are followed to minimize all risks.

Results

Following cardiac catheterization, patients receive:

detailed diagnostic findings;

treatment recommendations or immediate intervention if required;

follow-up care instructions and long-term management planning.