Some of the specific tests or treatments performed using cardiac catheterization are-

1) Angioplasty
A balloon catheter is used to open up clogged coronary artery arteries. A stent (metal coil) may be placed in the artery to keep it open.

2) Atherectomy
This procedure is also performed to improve the blood supply through the blocked coronary arteries. There are different types of arterectomy. In one type, the catheter has a cutting device and a collecting chamber. The block is cut using the cutting device and removed through the collecting chamber. Another method has a whirling blade at the end of the catheter grinds the plaque. This method is also called rotablator. Another method is where LASER is used to clear the plaque.

3) Ventriculogram
Contrast dye is passed through the left ventricle to assess its function.

4) Balloon Valvuloplasty
A balloon at the end of the catheter is expanded at the mitral valve level to open the stenosed valve.

5) ASD/VSD/PFO closure
A closing device at the end of the catheter is allowed to expand at the septum to close congenital defects such as Atrial Septal Defect, Ventricular Septal Defect or Patent Foramen Ovale.

6) Carotid Stenting
Angiogram stenting can be used to open up blocked carotid arteries also.

7) Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging
An ultrasound probe at the tip of the catheter can inspect a coronary artery with live images as the catheter moves along.

8) Heart Biopsy
A small part of the heart tissue can be removed for biopsy during cardiac catheterization.

9) Angiogenesis
A form of gene therapy used for regrowing patient’s own blood vessels.