Overview
Cardiac Catheterisation is a specialised procedure used to examine the heart and blood vessels and assess how well the heart is functioning. It can help doctors evaluate blood flow through the coronary arteries, identify blockages and assess certain heart valve and structural conditions.
During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is guided through a blood vessel towards the heart. The catheter may be introduced through a blood vessel in the wrist or groin, depending on the patient's condition and the planned procedure.
Cardiac Catheterization may be used as a diagnostic test or as part of an interventional procedure. It can also help doctors decide whether a patient may benefit from treatments such as coronary angioplasty or stent placement.
Why Is Cardiac Catheterization Performed?
A cardiologist may recommend cardiac catheterization when detailed information about the heart or coronary arteries is required. It may be performed to evaluate suspected coronary artery disease, identify blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries, assess blood flow through the heart, investigate the cause of certain types of chest pain, evaluate heart valve conditions, assess certain congenital or structural heart conditions, measure pressures inside the heart chambers, assess heart function when required, plan further cardiac treatment, or evaluate the coronary arteries before angioplasty or other cardiac interventions.
How Is Cardiac Catheterization Performed?
Before the procedure, the medical team reviews the patient's medical history, medications, allergies and relevant test results, and the patient is monitored throughout the procedure. The wrist or groin area is cleaned and prepared, and local anaesthesia is administered to numb the access site.
A thin catheter is then carefully introduced into a blood vessel and guided towards the heart under imaging guidance. Contrast material may be used to visualise the coronary arteries and blood flow, while the cardiologist may assess pressures, blood flow and the condition of the heart and blood vessels through images and measurements. Once the required assessment or treatment is completed, the catheter is removed, and the access site is managed to reduce the risk of bleeding. The exact steps may vary depending on whether cardiac catheterisation is being performed for diagnosis, coronary angiography or an interventional treatment.
Cardiac Catheterization Before Angioplasty
Cardiac Catheterization and coronary angiography may help the cardiologist understand the location and severity of a coronary artery blockage before or during angioplasty.
If a significant blockage is identified and angioplasty is considered appropriate, the cardiologist may proceed with an interventional procedure using the catheter-based approach.
In emergencies, particularly during certain heart attacks, coronary angiography and angioplasty may be performed promptly when clinically indicated.
Technology and Infrastructure
Cardiac Catheterisation relies on specialised imaging and monitoring technology to help cardiologists assess the heart and coronary blood vessels.
Depending on the procedure and clinical requirement, it may involve fluoroscopy and X-ray imaging, contrast-enhanced coronary angiography, continuous cardiac monitoring, blood pressure and oxygen monitoring, pressure measurement within the heart chambers, and catheter-based imaging and assessment techniques when required.
The specific technology used depends on the patient's condition and the type of cardiac procedure being performed.
Benefits of Cardiac Catheterization
- Detailed assessment of coronary arteries
- Identification of coronary artery blockages
- Evaluation of heart and valve function
- Measurement of pressures within the heart
- Support for accurate treatment planning
- Possibility of combining diagnosis and treatment in selected cases
- Helping cardiologists determine the most appropriate next step in care
Cardiac Catheterization Recovery
Recovery after cardiac catheterization depends on the type of procedure and the access site used. After the procedure, the medical team may monitor the patient for some time to check the access site, blood pressure, heart rate and overall condition.
Patients may be advised to keep the access site clean and protected, follow instructions regarding physical activity, avoid strenuous activities for the period recommended by the treating team, take prescribed medicines as directed, attend follow-up appointments, and report any unusual pain, bleeding or swelling at the catheter insertion site. The cardiologist will provide specific recovery instructions based on the procedure performed.
Why Choose Sarvodaya Hospital for Cardiac Catheterization?
- Experienced Cardiology Team: Specialist care for the evaluation and management of cardiovascular conditions.
- Comprehensive Cardiac Assessment: Detailed evaluation based on symptoms, medical history and diagnostic findings.
- Advanced Cardiac Diagnostics: Cardiac investigations are recommended according to individual clinical requirements.
- Personalised Treatment Planning: Treatment decisions are based on the patient's condition and test results.
- Interventional Care When Required: Catheter-based treatment may be considered when clinically appropriate.
- Continuity of Care: Follow-up support after the procedure to help monitor recovery and ongoing cardiac health.
