Contents:
Medical Video: Cardiac Cath with Angioplasty
Definition
What is cardiac catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization is a test to check your heart. This test uses a flexible thin tube called a catheter that is inserted into the heart through a blood vessel. This test can include coronary angiography, which checks for coronary arteries. Cardiac catheterization can check blood flow in the coronary arteries, check the flow and blood pressure in the heart cavity, find out how well the heart valve works, and check for damage to the movement of the heart wall. In children, this test is used to examine heart problems that have existed since birth (congenital heart damage). Coronary angiogram is used to find out if you have a disease in your coronary artery (atherosclerosis). If you have atherosclerosis, this test can show the size and location of fat and calcium deposits (plaque) that are narrowed in your coronary arteries.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is similar to a coronary angiogram, but it is used to open the arterial narrowing of the arteries with special tools. PCI includes:
- angioplasty with or without coronary stents
- atherectomy
The results of a coronary angiogram help determine the decision making of treatment with drugs, bypass surgery, or Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), such as angioplasty, may be effective.
When should I undergo cardiac catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization is done to see if there is a problem with the heart, or as part of a procedure to check for heart problems that your doctor already knows.
If you carry out cardiac catheterization as a test for heart disease, your doctor can:
- find out the location of narrowing or blockage of blood vessels in you which results in chest pain (angiogram)
- measuring pressure and oxygen levels in different parts of your heart (hemodynamic assessment)
- check your heart pump function (right or left ventriculogram)
- take tissue samples from your heart (biopsy)
- diagnose birth defects (congenital heart defects)
- check if there is a problem with your heart valve
Cardiac catheterization is also used as part of several procedures to treat heart disease. This procedure includes:
- angioplasty with or without stent placement
- closure of holes in the heart and correct other birth defects
- repair or replace heart valves
- balloon valvuloplasty
- heart arrhythmia treatment (ablation)
- close part of your heart to prevent blood clots
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing cardiac catheterization?
This test is usually not done for people who have severe allergic reactions to contrast material, heart failure, life-threatening heartbeat disorders, or severe kidney disease.
Cardiac catheterization is not carried out during pregnancy because radiation rays can endanger fetal development. But in critical situations, this procedure may be needed to save the lives of pregnant women. In this case, the fetus will be protected as best as possible from exposure to radiation.
Process
What should I do before undergoing cardiac catheterization?
You should ask for instructions from the local hospital to find out what you need to do. These instructions may include:
- if you use warfarin or a drug "blood thinner" (anticoagulant) you will be asked to stop using for 2-3 days before the examination. (This is to prevent excessive bleeding as long as the container is inserted)
- if you use insulin or a medication for diabetes, you may need to change the time of use of this drug. Some drugs need to be stopped for 48 hours. Your doctor will clarify it to you
- if you are pregnant, tell the doctor who will do this examination
- You may be asked to stop eating and drinking for several hours before the test
- You may be asked to shave the groin before the examination.
What is the process of cardiac catheterization?
During the procedure, you will be in a supine and conscious position. This allows you to follow the doctor's instructions during the procedure. You will be given medication to help you calm down, which can make you feel sleepy.
Your doctor will anesthetize the arm, groin (upper thigh), or neck where the catheter will enter through the blood vessels. Then, a syringe will be needed to make a small hole in the vein. Your doctor will put a pointed pipe called the sheath through the hole.
Next, your doctor will insert a thin, flexible cable through sheath into your veins. The doctor will insert a thread of cord through the blood vessels to your heart. Your doctor will use a cable guide to place the battery properly. The doctor will insert the filter through sheath and let it pass through the cable guide and into the coronary arteries.
Special X-ray videos will be taken from the guide cable and battery as they move into the heart. This video will help the doctor to know where the battery should be placed. When the battery is in the right place, your doctor will use it to do a test or treatment on your heart. For example, your doctor may get angioplasty or stenting.
Katerer will be released from the place where he was entered. To prevent bleeding, the part needs to be closed using pressure, stitches, or other special covers. For example, if the container is inserted through the wrist or groin, then strong pressure will be applied to the part for 10 minutes to stop the bleeding. Then it will be replaced with pressure dressing in that section. If the filter is inserted through the elbow, a small amount of stitch will be needed to cover the wound.
This test lasts 30 minutes. But you need to prepare and heal. The total time for this test can be up to 6 hours. The length of time the examination does not indicate the seriousness of your condition.
What should I do after undergoing cardiac catheterization?
After the test is complete, you will be escorted to the observation room, and at regular intervals the medical staff will check your heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature and check if there is bleeding in the injected part. The pulse, color, and temperature of the arms and legs where the catheter is inserted will also be checked periodically. You may be given medication to relieve pain.
If the catheter is inserted through the groin, you may have to lie down by stretching your legs for several hours (for example 1 to 4 hours), depending on the procedure used and your medical condition. After that, you can move freely. If the container is inserted through the arm, you can sit and get out of bed immediately. But your arm needs to rest and doesn't move much for several hours.
A child who has just undergone cardiac catheterization may need to be held or monitored by his parents after a test to prevent the child from moving his legs or arms. You should drink plenty of water for several hours after the test. This is to prevent dehydration and help remove contrast material out of your body.
Depending on the results of the tests obtained, you may be allowed to go home after a brief observation (for example 6 hours) or the next day. If the stitch is located on your arm, the stitches can be removed within 5 to 7 days. Do not exercise and lift heavy items until the doctor allows them. This may only last one or two days.
If you are breastfeeding and doing an angiogram test where the dye is injected into your body, then do not give breast milk to the baby for 2 days after this test. During this time period, you can give your baby breastmilk that you have stored before, or you can give formula to your baby. Dispose of the milk you have pumped for 2 days after the test.
If you have questions relating to the process of this test, consult your doctor for a better understanding.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
The test results will be reviewed by a cardiologist and will be available after the completion of the procedure. The doctor will discuss it with you immediately related to some of the test results after the test is completed.
The results will include whether:
- normal coronary arteries or experience narrowing or blockage
- heart pump work (ejection fraction) and pressure in the heart cavity and normal blood vessels
- heart valves work normally
Many conditions can affect the outcome of cardiac catheterization. The doctor will discuss with you if there are abnormal results related to your symptoms or medical history.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
