Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a rather common procedure. In cardiac catheterization (often abbreviated as cardiac cath), a very small hollow tube, or catheter, is advanced from a blood vessel in the groin through the aorta into the heart. Once the catheter is in place, several diagnostic techniques may be used. The tip of the catheter can be placed into various parts of the heart to measure the pressure within the chambers. The catheter can be advanced into the coronary arteries and a dye injected into the arteries. By the use of fluoroscopy (a special type of x-ray), the cardiologist can tell where any blockages in the coronary arteries are located as the dye moves through the arteries. A small sample of heart tissue can be obtained (called a biopsy) during the cardiac catheterization to be examined later under the microscope for abnormalities.

The cardiologist may schedule a patient for a cardiac catheterization if they have recently had an episode(s) of one or more of the following cardiac symptoms:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• dizziness
• fatigue

Also, a cardiac catheterization may be ordered by their cardiologist if a screening examination such as an EKG suggests a possibility of some type of heart disease process that needs to be explored further. A cardiac catheterization may also be scheduled to include evaluation of myocardial perfusion (blood flow to the heart muscle) after following certain cardiac procedures or to further diagnose other cardiac conditions.

Due to advances in knowledge, technology, and techniques, cardiac catheterization is often performed on an outpatient basis; however, cardiac catheterization may be done on patients who are already hospitalized and thus will remain in the hospital after the procedure. Also, some patients who were at home before the cardiac catheterization may be admitted to the hospital after the procedure in certain circumstances such as the occurrence of complications during or after the procedure, balloon angioplasty done during the procedure, or other reasons.

As with other procedures, cardiac catheterization can involve certain risks which the St. John’s physician will discuss with their patient before the cardiac catheterization . For the step by step cardiac catheterization procedure and post surgery process, click the links.

The Heart Hospital, is located on the St. John's Mercy Medical Center Campus in St. Louis, is d evoted exclusively to heart and vascular care. Our team of cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and other medical professionals provide advanced treatment options and technologies in a state-of-the-art healing environment.

For more information on cardiology services at St. John's Mercy Heart Hospital, please call 1-866-78-HEART.