Cardiac Catheterization Specialist

What is cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization is an outpatient procedure that assesses the health and function of your heart.

During catheterization, your Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group provider runs a thin, narrow tube, called a catheter, through a blood vessel in your arm or leg. Your provider then guides the catheter to your heart and releases a contrast dye. 

After releasing the dye, your provider takes a series of X-rays. Then, they use the images to view your heart valves, arteries, and chambers.

Are there different types of cardiac catheterization?

Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group offers several types of cardiac catheterization, including:

Left-side catheterization (LHC)

Left-side catheterization involves your provider running the catheter through an artery.

Right-side catheterization (RLHC)

Right-side catheterization involves your provider running the catheter through a vein. 

Staged PCI

If your provider discovers atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in your blood vessels) during cardiac catheterization, they might recommend a follow-up procedure known as staged PCI. Staged PCI involves your provider inserting a stent into the affected blood vessel, promoting healthy blood flow.

What issues can cardiac catheterization diagnose?

At Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group, the team uses cardiac catheterization to diagnose various heart-related health problems, including:

• Atherosclerosis (the buildup of fat and cholesterol in the veins)
• Cardiomyopathy (an enlargement of the heart)
• Congenital heart disease
• Heart failure
• Heart valve disease

Cardiac catheterization can also be used to determine the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).

What does cardiac catheterization involve?

Cardiac catheterization is an outpatient procedure, meaning you won’t have to stay the night in the hospital. 

Before getting started, your provider administers a local anesthetic to numb the catheterization site. Once you’re comfortable, they insert the catheter into the vein, guide it to your heart, and take a series of X-rays. 

Following catheterization, you’re moved to a recovery room where the team monitors you for several hours. 

Is cardiac catheterization safe?

Cardiac catheterization is safe and usually well-tolerated, but there are potential risks, including:

• Mild to moderate skin irritation
• Allergic reaction to the contrast material
• Chest pain
• Bleeding at the catheter insertion site

If you experience any discomfort during or after the procedure, let your provider know. They’ll work with you to pinpoint the underlying cause and help you feel better.

To see if you’re a candidate for cardiac catheterization, make an appointment at Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group by calling the nearest office today or scheduling online.