Introduction
Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure in which a fine and a ductile tube are directed into a cardiac vessel to evaluate or manage specific conditions of the heart and the cardiovascular system. These conditions vary in nature, for instance, arrhythmia or clots in arteries. The heart is divided into four chambers. Two upper sections are called the right and left atriums. The two lower chambers are called the right and left ventricles.
A cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic tool that provides healthcare professionals with in-depth information on the cardiac muscles, valves of the heart, heart chambers, and the entire structure of the heart. Cardiac catheterization can be used as a means for diagnosis as well as a treatment modality.
Multiple tests are routinely done before the onset of cardiac catheterization. There are hardly any risks involved in this procedure. The patient is not under anesthesia and thus remains awake during the entire catheterization. Nevertheless, if the patient is anxious, muscle relaxants or medications to calm the patient down may be administered intravenously.
When Is Cardiac Catheterization Suggested?
Cardiac catheterization is a standard cardiac procedure in an emergency setting as well as routine consultation. In addition, the healthcare provider may request a cardiac catheterization when there is a high chance of an underlying cardiovascular disease.
Mentioned below are some of the heart conditions that may need cardiac catheterization.
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Heart failure.
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Congenital heart disease.
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Microvascular heart disorder.
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Chest pain.
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Irregular heart rhythm.
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Evaluating the hemodynamics of the heart chambers.
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Measuring the ventricular function.
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Evaluation of myocardial diseases.
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Assessment of pericardial conditions.
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Constant shortness of breath.
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Pain and discomfort in the shoulders.
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Pressure in the jaw, neck, back, or arms.
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Clogged arteries.
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Abnormal stress test results.
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High blood pressure.
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Abnormal enlargement of the heart.
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Cardiomyopathy.
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Congestive heart failure.
What Is the Purpose of Cardiac Catheterization for Patients?
During a cardiac catheterization procedure, the healthcare team gathers information about the heart function, identifies any issues, and performs procedures such as angioplasty and stenting to open blocked arteries.
During this procedure, the healthcare team may:
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Use contrast dye injected through the catheter to take X-rays and examine coronary arteries for narrowing or blockages (coronary angiography or coronary arteriography).
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Perform percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures such as coronary angioplasty with stenting to open narrowed or blocked segments of a coronary artery.
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Measure the pressure in the four chambers of the heart.
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Take blood samples to measure the oxygen content in the heart's four chambers.
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Assess the contractile function of the heart's pumping chambers.
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Identify any defects in the valves or chambers of the heart.
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Collect a small piece of heart tissue (biopsy) for microscopic examination.
How to Prepare for Cardiac Catheterization?
The healthcare provider will provide all the necessary instructions before starting the procedure. Generally, patients are asked to stop eating or drinking for six to nine hours before the test. Cardiac catheterization only happens in a hospital setup and cannot be done in the comfort of one’s home. Patients may be asked to stay overnight so the healthcare provider can monitor the cardiovascular system before starting the procedure the next day. Patients are expected to inform the professionals about all the allergies they have. This includes allergies to products, foods, or any particular medication. Additionally, if the patient is pregnant or has plans to be, they must also inform them of the same.
How Does It Feel During a Cardiac Catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization can be assumed to be a study, a diagnostic tool, or a treatment modality. For whatever reason it is used, the procedure is not painful. After filling out a request and consent form, the patient may be under general anesthesia. In most cases, the individual is awake through the procedure with mild administration of muscle relaxants to keep the patient relaxed and calm. The patient lies flat throughout the course and is not expected to move. This may cause discomfort to some individuals. A slight pressure may be felt as the catheter moves within the blood vessel. Additionally, the catheter insertion site seldom causes irritation or minor pain.
How Is Cardiac Catheterization Performed?
The catheter is inserted at a selected site. The choices for insertion are the arm, neck, or groin. Veins receive the catheter; thus, cardiac catheterization is an intravenous procedure. A sheath of a plastic tube is placed into the selected vein. If the site is the arm or leg, it is inserted into the arteries. This sheath pushes the catheter up into the heart.
Regular and live X-rays guide all this. A contrast dye is seldom administered via the catheter for better visuals. The entire test lasts for up to sixty minutes. Patients are asked to stay flat so there is no bleeding from the catheter insertion site. During the presence of the catheter inside the vein or artery, the professional can do the following.
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Collect samples of blood directly from the heart.
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Measure the pressure in different heart chambers.
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Measure the flow of blood into the heart.
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Evaluate the condition of large arteries in the heart.
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Measure the amount of oxygen in different heart sections.
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Perform a biopsy of any cardiac muscle.
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Angioplasty.
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Stent placement.
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Assess the amount of blockage in the heart vessels.
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Assess the amount of plaque accumulation in the heart vessels.
What Are the Risks of Cardiac Catheterization?
Generally, there are no risks involved in cardiac catheterization if the process is done smoothly. However, there may rarely be complications that crop up during or after the procedure. Mentioned below are some difficulties that may pose a risk to the patient.
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Cardiac tamponade.
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Low blood pressure.
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Reaction to the contrast dye.
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Irregular heartbeat.
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Injury to the coronary artery.
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Bleeding at the site.
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Infection.
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Pain due to intravenous insertion.
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Blood clots.
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Kidney damage is due to the contrast dye.
Conclusion
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure that may require the multidisciplinary approach of a cardiologist, anesthetist, radiologist, gynecologist, and general practitioner. Cardiac catheterization is a safe procedure if performed by a highly qualified and experienced team of professionals. The possibility of risk is very low. Nevertheless, in rare situations, infections, pain, and bleeding at the catheter insertion site may pose some problems.
The healthcare professional will have a detailed analysis of the patient’s total cardiovascular system post-cardiac catheterization. This will help in diagnosis or treatment planning. There is no change in the patient’s quality of life, and the patient may continue with regular activities after a week.