Cardiac catheterization

Definition

Diagnostic and / or treatment test that consists of the introduction of a catheter (flexible probe) from a vessel (vein or artery) to the interior of the heart chambers (atria and / or ventricles).

When cardiac catheterization is performed to visualize the arteries of the heart through the use of iodinated contrast and a fluoroscope or device that emits continuous ionizing radiation (X-rays), we speak of coronary angiography.

How is the study done

The study is carried out in the Hemodynamics unit of the medical center or Hospital by specialized personnel in aseptic conditions.

The patient must undress, a gown will be provided to cover himself. You will be given a mild sedative and you will lie on a table during the study. Vital signs measuring sensors (pulses, respiratory rate, heart rate and blood pressure figures) are placed. The doctor will locate the vessel through which the catheter will be inserted (vein or artery, depending on the reasons for which the study is carried out), usually of the neck, arm or groin; He will disinfect the area, inject a small amount of local anesthetic, make a small incision, and proceed to insert the catheter into one of the heart's chambers.

Once the catheter has been placed and if a coronary angiography is desired, a small amount of iodinated contrast will be injected into the cavity, it will be waited for its complete distribution through the arteries of the heart and it will be visualized in real time with the aid of the fluoroscope.

The study usually lasts an hour.

Preparation for the study

The study does not require prior preparation by the patient except to avoid the intake of liquids and solids 8 hours before the study.

A study should be carried out prior to the procedure (blood analysis with coagulation study and cardiac study)

The patient will be asked to sign an informed consent.

You should avoid taking certain types of medication in the days prior to the study, such as anticoagulants, antiaggregants, or viagra.

What it feels like during the study

• Cardiac catheterization is an uncomfortable but not painful test for the patient.
• A mild sedative will be administered to minimize study discomfort.
• A prick and burning sensation may be felt during the administration of the local anesthetic.
• A sensation of pressure may be felt as the catheter advances into the heart.
• Occasional flushing, nausea, or vomiting may occur in studies that require contrast administration.

Study risks

• Bleeding or bruising at the incision site.
• Infection in the incision area.
• Injury and bleeding of the vessel when placing the catheter.
• Generalized infection (rare).
• allergy to iodinated contract (in studies that require it).
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• Vascular thrombosis (rare).
• Embolism (rare).
• Alteration of the heart rate.
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• Angina or cardiac ischemia (rare).

Study contraindications

The patient should consult with his doctor before carrying out the study in case of:

• Pregnancy
• Taking medication
• allergy to iodinated contrast (in studies that require its use)
• Basic disease such as hypertension, alterations of the,, alteration of coagulation, kidney failure, and so on.

Reasons why the study is carried out

Cardiac catheterization is a widely known and used test in the field of Cardiology that provides objective information on alterations that affect the heart or its arteries.

It can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

At a diagnostic level, it allows assessing the state of the heart chambers (atria and ventricles), the heart arteries (coronary arteries), the contraction of the ventricles, the state of the heart valves, and so on.

At a therapeutic level, it allows correcting coronary artery stenosis, repairing congenital defects or heart valve defects, introducing certain treatments such as fibrinolytics, and so on.

Coronary angiography is a basic test for the study and treatment of patients with coronary disease (angina or heart attack).

• This test is done to visualize the arteries of the heart through a catheter that is inserted into a vessel, usually in the neck, arm, or groin, depending on the reason for the study.
• It is used to obtain objective information about conditions that affect the heart or its arteries. It is basic in patients with angina pectoris or heart attack.
• It is an uncomfortable but not painful test, requiring the administration of a mild sedative to minimize discomfort.