Admin_NHT Staff asked 6 years ago This procedure is used to diagnose any cardiac conditions the individual might be facing. A catheter is a thin tube which usually has a camera and sometimes, a mechanical apparatus attached to one of its ends. On the other end, there is a mechanism to manipulate the movement of the catheter once inside the body. The catheter is inserted into the patient’s body through an artery or a vein from his groin, arm, or neck, and then it is negotiated through the artery or vein up to the heart.
Using this procedure, the doctor can –
– determine any blockages in blood vessels
– blood pressure and blood oxygen levels can be measured
– cardiac biopsy (removing a small tissue sample)
– diagnose any structural defects associated with the heart
– widen the arteries that have narrowed due to blockages
– remove blockages, by placing stents
– closing holes in the microvasculature
There are also some risks associated with this procedure such as infection, stroke, bleeding, bruising, formation of blood clots, allergic reactions, are to name a few. Pregnant women or women are trying to conceive should alert their doctor before undergoing this procedure. Before the procedure the patient is advised not to eat or drink anything 6 hours prior to the procedure, he may also be advised to not take certain medications like blood-thinners, and it is advised to tell the doctor about all the medications that the patient is taking. During the procedure the patient might be awake but sedated. Later, the patient is moved to an outpatient room where he is advised to lay down and encouraged to resume his diet. Most of the cases are sent home the same day, and only very few are kept overnight for observation depending on the condition.