Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a crucial diagnostic and treatment procedure for various heart conditions. At HeartCare Texas, we specialize in providing this minimally invasive service with the highest standards of care and precision. Our team of experienced cardiologists and specialized medical staff utilize advanced technology and techniques to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. 
 

What is cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization, also known as cardiac cath or heart cath, is a medical procedure used to gather critical information about the heart's functioning, including the condition of the heart valves, blood vessels, and muscles. 

During this procedure, a cardiologist inserts a thin, flexible tube called a catheter through a blood vessel and guides it to the heart using a specialized X-ray machine. A contrast dye is then injected to create detailed X-ray images of the heart's structures, allowing the physician to diagnose and treat heart conditions such as irregular heartbeats or blocked arteries.
 

Why is cardiac catheterization done?

Cardiac catheterization is recommended to diagnose, analyze, and treat various heart conditions. The procedure helps physicians understand the underlying causes of symptoms related to:

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart failure
• Heart valve disease
• Congenital heart disease
   

Additionally, cardiac catheterization allows for:

• Identifying narrowed or blocked arteries
• Measuring pressure and oxygen levels in the heart's chambers
• Performing angioplasty and stent placement
• Collecting heart tissue samples for biopsy
• Detecting valvular defects or damage in the heart’s chambers
• Repairing congenital heart defects and treating irregular heart rhythms
   

What are the risks involved in cardiac catheterization?

While cardiac catheterization is generally safe, it carries some risks, including:

• Bruising at the catheter insertion site
• Bleeding
• Allergic reactions to the contrast dye
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Irregular heartbeats
• Kidney damage
   

Cardiac catheterization at HeartCare Texas

At HeartCare Texas, cardiac catheterization is performed with meticulous attention to detail to ensure patient safety and accurate diagnosis. The process includes:

• Pre-Procedure Preparation: We advise patients to refrain from eating or drinking for six hours before the procedure. Inform your physician about all medications, especially blood thinners and diabetes medications, as well as any allergies. Bring necessary personal items for comfort during the preparation and recovery time, and arrange transportation home post-procedure.
   
• The Procedure: Our skilled cardiologists begin by cleaning a site on your arm, neck, or groin and inserting an intravenous (IV) line. We then place a larger thin plastic tube called a sheath into a vein or artery in your leg or arm. Using live x-rays (fluoroscopy) as a guide, we carefully move longer plastic tubes called catheters up into your heart.
  
  For some procedures, we inject a contrast dye to visualize the structures and vessels within the heart clearly. If we detect a blockage, we can perform angioplasty and place a stent during the same procedure. The entire process typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes.
   
• Post-Procedure Care: After the procedure, we closely monitor patients during a recovery period to ensure there are no immediate complications. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to facilitate a smooth recovery.

HeartCare Texas is committed to providing comprehensive cardiac care, ensuring each patient receives personalized attention and the highest quality of medical treatment.