Heart catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure used to evaluate the heart and its blood vessels. It can help identify narrowed or blocked coronary arteries and provide important information about heart function.
During the procedure, a thin catheter is guided through a blood vessel toward the heart. In some cases, heart catheterization can also be used to perform treatments such as angioplasty and stenting.
The skin near the catheter entry site is numbed with local anesthesia. A thin catheter is inserted through an artery, commonly through the wrist or groin.
The catheter is guided toward the heart using imaging technology. Contrast dye may be injected so the coronary arteries can be viewed with X-ray imaging. The findings help the physician determine whether additional treatment is necessary.
Heart catheterization can help evaluate suspected coronary artery disease and other heart conditions. It can show whether coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked.
The procedure can also provide information about pressures and function within the heart. In some cases, treatment can be performed during the same procedure.
The catheter entry site is typically numbed with local anesthesia. You may feel pressure during catheter placement but should not usually feel the catheter moving through the blood vessels.
Some patients experience a temporary warm sensation when contrast dye is injected. Your medical team will monitor you throughout the procedure.
The catheter may be inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin. The specific access site depends on your condition and the physician’s preferred approach.
The catheter is then carefully guided toward the heart. Your provider will explain the planned access site before the procedure.
Yes. In appropriate cases, a diagnostic catheterization can lead directly to treatment.
For example, angioplasty and stenting may be performed to open a narrowed coronary artery. Other interventions may be considered depending on the findings. Your physician will discuss the available options based on your results.
Heart catheterization is commonly performed and is generally considered safe. Possible complications can include bleeding or bruising at the access site and reactions to contrast dye.
More serious complications are uncommon but can occur. Your medical team will review your individual risks before the procedure.
