Heart Catheterization

About

Cardiac catheterization is performed in a catheterization laboratory (CL) by an interventional cardiologist and other members of the CL team.

During catheterization, the patient receives light sedation and remains awake during the procedure to respond to instructions from the cardiologist. Infants and small children are given appropriate sedation, including general anesthesia by an anesthesiologist, if necessary.

After the patient is made comfortable, the catheter entry site (the leg, arm or neck) is numbed and the cardiologist inserts the catheter, which can be used to inject dye and check blood pressure, oxygen levels and cardiac output. Often, a very thin, flexible, soft-tipped wire may also be placed into the artery via the catheter. Depending on the procedure, the wire may be equipped with sensors to measure blood pressure and blood flow. The wires can also be used to deliver stents or take ultrasound pictures inside the blood vessels. All device placement is guided by fluoroscopic x-ray imaging on a video screen.