Cardiac cath

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Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization, often referred to as "cardiac cath," is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat certain cardiovascular conditions. During this procedure, a long, thin tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery or vein in the groin, neck, or arm and threaded through the blood vessels to the heart.

History[edit | edit source]

The development of cardiac catheterization dates back to the early 20th century. The first human cardiac catheterization was performed by Werner Forssmann in 1929, who inserted a catheter into his own heart. This groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern cardiac diagnostics and interventions.

Indications[edit | edit source]

Cardiac catheterization is indicated for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Evaluating heart valve function
  • Assessing heart muscle function
  • Measuring pressures within the heart chambers
  • Determining the need for further treatment, such as coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

Procedure[edit | edit source]

The procedure is typically performed in a specialized area known as a cardiac catheterization laboratory or "cath lab." The steps involved in cardiac catheterization include:

Preparation[edit | edit source]

  • The patient is usually asked to fast for several hours before the procedure.
  • An intravenous (IV) line is started for administering medications and fluids.
  • The insertion site is cleaned and shaved if necessary.

Insertion[edit | edit source]

  • Local anesthesia is applied to the insertion site.
  • A small incision is made, and a sheath is inserted into the blood vessel.
  • The catheter is carefully guided through the blood vessels to the heart using fluoroscopy.

Imaging and Measurements[edit | edit source]

  • Contrast dye is injected through the catheter to visualize the coronary arteries and heart chambers on X-ray images.
  • Pressure measurements are taken within the heart chambers and blood vessels.

Completion[edit | edit source]

  • Once the necessary information is obtained, the catheter is removed.
  • Pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding.
  • The patient is monitored for a few hours post-procedure.

Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]

While cardiac catheterization is generally safe, it carries some risks, including:

  • Bleeding or bruising at the insertion site
  • Infection
  • Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
  • Arrhythmias
  • Heart attack or stroke (rare)

Advancements[edit | edit source]

Recent advancements in cardiac catheterization include the development of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) techniques, such as balloon angioplasty and stent placement, which allow for the treatment of coronary artery blockages during the same procedure.

Also see[edit | edit source]


Cardiovascular disease A-Z

Most common cardiac diseases

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD