Cardiac catheterization is performed to diagnose and treat various heart problems. This procedure is safe and rarely causes complications. However, there are some risks that can occur due to cardiac catheterization.
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure performed by inserting a long tube or catheter into a blood vessel which is then directed to the heart. This method of examination and treatment is carried out by a cardiologist.
Purpose of Doing Cardiac Catheterization
Your doctor will recommend cardiac catheterization to determine the cause of symptoms such as chest pain or an irregular heartbeat. In addition, cardiac catheterization is also performed for several purposes, namely:
- Taking samples of heart muscle tissue to detect infections and tumors
- Correcting the condition of heart defects with minor surgery
- Treating coronary heart disease
- Detect and treat heart valve disease
- Detect pulmonary hypertension
- Evaluate the pressure and oxygen levels in the heart
- Checking the strength of the heart muscle in pumping blood throughout the body
- Checking for congenital heart disease in children
Stages of the Cardiac Catheterization Procedure
The cardiac catheterization procedure begins with administering a local anesthetic to the area of the body where the catheter will be inserted, usually the wrist or groin, so that you stay awake during the procedure and can follow the doctor's directions without feeling pain.
However, general anesthesia is sometimes necessary, especially if you are going to undergo a heart valve repair or replacement procedure using the catheterization method.
Next, the doctor will make a small hole in a vein in the arm or groin and insert a catheter and direct it towards the heart.
After that, the doctor will inject a contrast fluid to make it easier for him to see the condition of your heart. If a heart problem has been detected and the cause is known, the doctor will determine the next treatment step.
There are several treatment steps that can be done through a cardiac catheterization procedure, namely:
- Cardiac angiography, to find out whether you have a coronary artery disorder or not
- Heart biopsy, to take a sample of heart tissue
- Balloon valvuplasty, to correct narrowing of the heart valves
- Coronary angioplasty, to widen the narrowed blood vessels
- Thrombectomy, to overcome blockages due to clots in blood vessels
After the cardiac catheterization process is complete, you will be taken to the recovery room where your doctor can evaluate your condition. If you experience complaints, such as numbness or tingling in the anesthetized body part, contact your doctor immediately.
Risks of Cardiac Catheterization Procedure
Cardiac catheterization is generally safe. However, as with any other medical procedure, cardiac catheterization carries some risks, including:
- Bleeding
- Bruises
- Infection
- stroke
- Blood clotting
- Kidney damage
- Heart attack
- Allergic reaction to contrast dye solution
- Damage to arteries and heart tissue
- Arrhythmias or heart rhythm disturbances
- Embolism or entry of air into a blood vessel
Before undergoing a cardiac catheterization procedure, you also need to tell your doctor what medications you are taking. This is to prevent complications during and after cardiac catheterization.
After cardiac catheterization, you are not advised to do strenuous activities for several weeks. If you experience bleeding, severe pain, swelling, or fever after the procedure or while recovering, see your doctor immediately.