Cardiac catheterization

Cardiac catheterization (heart cath) is the insertion of a catheter into a chamber or vessel of the heart. This is done both for diagnostic and interventional purposes.

Cardiac catheterization

Cath, heart cath

cardiology

A common example of cardiac catheterization is coronary catheterization that involves catheterization of the coronary arteries for coronary artery disease and myocardial infarctions ("heart attacks"). Catheterization is most often performed in special laboratories with fluoroscopy and highly maneuverable tables. These "cath labs" are often equipped with cabinets of catheters, stents, balloons, etc. of various sizes to increase efficiency. Monitors show the fluoroscopy imaging, electrocardiogram (ECG), pressure waves, and more.

LHC can mean measuring the pressures of the left side of the heart.

LHC can be synonymous with coronary angiography.

Death

Stroke

Heart attack

and ventricular arrhythmias

Ventricular ectopy

Pericardial effusion

Bleeding: internal and external

Infection

Radiation burn

from contrast use

Contrast induced nephropathy

Complications of cardiac catheterization and tools used during catheterization include, but not limited to:

The likelihood of these risks depends on many factors that include the procedure being performed, the overall health state of the patient, situational (elective vs emergent), medications (e.g., anticoagulation), and more.

Catheters

Film or Digital Camera

Electrocardiography monitors

External defibrillator

Fluoroscopy

Pressure transducers

Sheaths

Cardiac catheterization