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The amazing journey of cardiac catheterization: how to uncover the secrets of the heart?
Cardiac catheterization, or cardiac catheterization, is the process of inserting a catheter into a chamber or blood vessel of the heart for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. A common example of this test is a coronary catheterization, which is used primarily for coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction (heart attack). Cardiac catheterization examinations are usually performed in dedicated laboratories equipped with imaging machines. These "catheterization examination rooms" are equipped with various sizes of catheters, stents, balloons and other equipment to improve examination efficiency.
"Coronary artery examination is an important examination that allows doctors to visualize the coronary arteries, which not only provides a basis for treatment, but also evaluates the prognosis of heart disease."
Through angiography technology, doctors can see the status of arteries. If obstruction or stenosis is found, corresponding interventional treatment can be performed, usually called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), including the use of stents and balloons. to restore blood flow to blocked blood vessels. In addition, measuring the pressure inside the heart by inserting a catheter is another important function of catheterization. These measurements can help doctors make clinical decisions, such as improving the care of patients suffering from cardiogenic shock or heart failure.
Classification and application of cardiac catheterization
Cardiac catheterization can be divided into two main categories: left heart catheterization (LHC) and right heart catheterization (RHC). A left heart catheterization test, usually the same as a coronary angiogram, provides pressure data on the left side of the heart and the degree of blockage in the artery, allowing for intervention in more than 70% of blockages.
"Right heart catheterization is mainly used to measure the pressure inside the heart, especially when facing pulmonary hypertension, heart failure and other conditions."
These two examinations help to understand the function of the heart and its internal pressure, and further develop appropriate treatment plans. Regardless of the type, these technologies play an indispensable role in the prediction and management of cardiovascular disease. In addition, cardiac catheterization may also be performed to install pacemakers and defibrillators in certain circumstances.
Potential risks and treatment options
Although cardiac catheterization provides many benefits, it also comes with certain risks, including stroke, heart attack, and even death. Doctors usually evaluate the need for the test based on the patient's health and decide under what circumstances the test should be performed to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks.
"Cardiac catheterization is not suitable for all patients, but is for patients with symptoms of severe heart disease."
Catheterization techniques are also improving, such as percutaneous or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), which allows high-risk patients to have valve replacement without the need for open-heart surgery.
Future challenges of cardiac catheterization technology
Although cardiac catheterization technology is developing rapidly, it still faces a series of challenges in the future, including how to reduce patients' radiation exposure, improve examination accuracy, and conduct further research on the safety of patients with multiple comorbidities.
In this context, the medical community needs to continue to work hard to explore safer and more effective technologies and their applications to further promote the progress of cardiology. This is not only a challenge to medical technology, but also a promise for the future of heart health. Have you ever thought about how these technologies will affect our heart health?
