Overview
Cardiac Catheterization is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat the conditions of heart.
Anesthesia Type: Local
About Coronary Angiography
It is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat the conditions of heart. For cardiac catheterization, a thin long flexible tube called catheter is inserted from the arm or groin (upper thigh) into the left or right side of the heart. It is through the catheter that the doctor takes diagnostic tests of your heart.
More Information on Coronary Angiography
Indication
The doctor may perform cardiac catheterization to assess the following conditions of your heart:
- Coronary artery disease
- Cardiac amyloidosis (disorder in the heart tissue)
- Cardiomyopathy or reasons of the congestive heart failure
- Issues with the heart valves
- Pulmonary hypertension or high blood pressure in the lung arteries
- Congenital heart defects
Cardiac catheterization is also done as a part of other major procedures like Angioplasty, Heart Valve Repair or Replacement, Balloon Valvuloplasty and Cardiac Ablation.
Pre-Procedure
- Eating or drinking 6-8 hours prior the test is strictly prohibited as it may increase complications arising from anesthesia
- Inform your doctor in case you are allergic to any specific medication or take any drug for erectile dysfunction
- Notify your doctor in case you’ve had a severe reaction caused from iodine or contrast dye previously
- Notify your doctor if there is a doubt of pregnancy
- Certain laboratory and radiological investigations will be done. Radiological investigations like CT scan, MRI, magnetoencephalography (MEG), positron emission tomography (PET) play a vital role in the diagnosis as well as the operative phases of the surgery.
- You will be asked to temporarily stop taking medications like aspirin that cause increased risk of bleeding.
- You will be on fasting 8-12 hours prior to the surgery.
During-Procedure
The doctor performs the test in a special operating room equipped with imaging machines and special X-ray. The intravenous (IV) line is inserted into the vein through the passage of neck, arm or groin. Following that, a sheath (thin plastic tube) is inserted in your leg to access artery or vein. Then, longer tubes of plastic called catheters are moved up into the heart with the help of live X-rays so the doctor can:
- Examine the condition of your heart and level of oxygen across different parts of the body
- Treat your heart muscle with biopsy
- Inject a dye to visualize the vessels and structures within your heart
- The test usually takes 30-60 minutes and you may be asked to lie flat on your back after the test to prevent bleeding.
Post-Procedure
Post the procedure, the cathether is removed and the incision is closed by applying pressure or using a clamp.
You will be asked to lie flat for a few hours and your heart condition will be continously monitored. Furthermore, you might be required to stay in the hospital for up to 4 hours after the procedure is completed.
In most cases, the patient is allowed to go home on the same day.
Your doctor will recommend you to drink lots of water to flush the dye out of your system. You will be recommend to avoid any strenuous physical activity.
Risk and Complication
Angiography is usually a safe procedure, but there might be some risks related to it. If some complication occurs during the test, then it is stopped and treatment is given (sometimes it includes surgery). Certain known risks are
- Contrast material (dye) might stimulate an allergic reaction, which can be treated by medication.
- Swelling, pain, formation of blood clot, or bleeding in the area where the catheter was inserted.
- Damage to a blood vessel because of the catheter.
- Due to the use of iodine dye, there is a chance of the kidney getting damaged or there might be loss of water (dehydration).
- Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat might be caused because of the catheter or dye. It usually settles at the end of the test.
- Very rare chance of getting a heart attack or stroke, and sometimes even fatality.
Why NICE ?
- We are associated with the best hospitals globally having the emergency infrastructure, fully equipped with the latest technologies and techniques to overcome from every emergency condition.
- Our team of doctors are highly experienced in ‘Emergency Patient Management’ and work together to save the patient.
- Consultation from doctors through e-mail, phone, and video calling.
- Rehabilitation programs are organized to assist complex surgery patients.
- Complete support and assistance being given before and after treatment.
- Cost of treatment is quite less as compared to other service providers.
- We are always ready to offer our helping hand and our services are available 24/7.
