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Exploring the mysteries inside the heart: How can catheterization reveal hidden conditions?
Cardiac catheterization, also known as cardiac catheterization, is a medical procedure in which a catheter is inserted into a chamber or blood vessel in the heart. As a diagnostic and interventional tool, catheterization plays a key role in early detection and treatment of cardiac disorders. This technology is becoming an important tool for doctors especially when dealing with coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, commonly known as heart attacks. This test is usually performed in a specially equipped cardiac catheterization laboratory, which is equipped with a variety of catheters, stents, balloons and other tools to complete the procedure quickly and efficiently.
During the catheterization process, doctors can use various imaging techniques, such as fluoroscopy, to clearly see the internal structure of the heart and its blood vessels.
Purposes of catheter examination
Coronary angiography is an important step in cardiac catheterization. It uses fluoroscopy to observe the condition of the coronary arteries.
If blood vessels are found to be narrowed or blocked, doctors can use various interventional techniques to open these blood vessels. Common methods include using mechanical stents or balloons to restore blood flow.
Cardiac catheterization also helps measure the pressure inside the heart and effectively evaluates heart function.
Left ventricular catheterization
Left ventricular catheterization is a widely used method of cardiac catheterization. Doctors can insert a long, thin catheter from the femoral or radial artery through the catheter into the left side of the heart.
During this procedure, a catheter is passed through the aorta into the coronary arteries and can detect blockages.
Right ventricular catheterization
Right ventricular catheterization is used to measure the pressure within the heart, usually through the internal jugular or femoral vein, rather than through an artery. This test helps evaluate heart and blood vessel disease and calculates cardiac output.
Coronary artery catheterization
Coronary artery catheterization is an invasive procedure that involves certain risks, including stroke, heart attack, and death. Therefore, this test is only suitable for patients with symptoms of severe heart disease.
Before performing coronary catheterization, a thorough evaluation must be performed to ensure that the potential benefits of the procedure outweigh its risks.
Insertion of cardiac assist device
Through catheterization, doctors can also assist in placing internal pacemakers and defibrillators.
Assessment of heart valves
Although echocardiography is a noninvasive method of heart valve assessment, it is sometimes necessary to directly measure the pressure gradient across the valve to obtain a more accurate diagnosis.
Pulmonary angiography and shunt assessment
Catheterization can also be used to perform pulmonary angiography, which evaluates blood flow to the lungs and checks for possible shunts inside the heart.
Complications and Risks
Although cardiac catheterization is a relatively safe procedure, there is a risk of complications, including stroke and heart attack.
Therefore, before undergoing this procedure, doctors will conduct a detailed assessment of the patient's health and risk factors.
Conclusion
Cardiac catheterization is undoubtedly a revolutionary technology that can delve deeply into the heart, and its associated wisdom and risk management are constantly improving. For those experiencing heart disease, this test can be a critical step in understanding their health. Have you ever thought about how much your heart health actually holds?
