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Medindia » Consumer Health » Health Information » Cardiac Catheterization - About

Cardiac Catheterization / Coronary Angiogram

About Cardiac Catheterization
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Cardiac catheterization is a radiological procedure for both diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions. It involves the insertion of a long thin flexible tube called catheter a vein or an artery to the heart.

The common insertion site for the catheters are groin, arm or neck. An interventional cardiologist can do this procedure. It is performed in a sterile "catheterization laboratory" or "Cath lab". During catheteriztion, contrast material (also called dye) is injected and X-ray images can be viewed live or recorded for future references.

Cardiac catheterization can be done at any age, including for new borns. The procedure approximately takes an hour or more depending on the condition for which it is performed. In the United states, more than one million Americans have angiograms and cardiac catheterization done every year. More than half of these patients have angioplasty or bypass surgery to improve blood supply to their heart.

Picture Of Cardiac Cath Lab
Claude Bernard was the first to catheterize a horse in the 19th century.

The first person to try and insert a catheter into a human heart was Werner Forssmann, in 1929. He had performed this act on himself under the guidance of fluoroscopy. Back then, it was considered a disapproving act until 1956 when he was recognized and awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology along with André Cournand and Dickinson W.Richards.


Cardiac Catheterization

Latest Publication and Research on Cardiac Catheterization - Updated on 12/06/2011

Downstream resource utilization following hybrid cardiac imaging with an integrated cadmium-zinc-telluride/64-slice CT device. - Published by PubMed

Downstream resource utilization following hybrid cardiac imaging with an integrated cadmium-zinc-telluride/64-slice CT device. - Published by PubMed

Pulmonary hemodynamic responses to inhaled NO in chronic heart failure depend on PDE5 G(-1142)T polymorphism. - Published by PubMed

Peripheral augmentation index as a biomarker of vascular aging: an invasive hemodynamics approach. - Published by PubMed

Right-Heart Function Related to the Results of Acute Pulmonary Vasodilator Testing in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Caused by Connective Tissue Disease. - Published by PubMed

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Posted by:  doctorJ  Posted on: 11/15/2011
What is the average time for patient to stay in hospital on observation after cardiac Catheterization that is paid and covered by Horizon Blue Cross and other commercial insurance companies? BCBS does even pay for 24 hours for patient stay after cardiac cath. What is medical view on the issue? Favour of your response is appreciated. Email: Doctorwellness@aol.com

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Posted by:  accountage  Posted on: 09/23/2011
i am feeling leg pain and swelling on both the legs is it a symptom of heart patient ?

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Posted by:  tjavailable  Posted on: 01/15/2011
gjjgg

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Posted by:  tjavailable  Posted on: 01/15/2011
After a cardiac catheterization, the patient is asked to refrain from any exercise or exertion. They are not to lift heavy load or involve themselves in strenuous exercise. Care should be taken of the incision site so as to prevent a sore or swelling. It is also advisable that the patient does not drive for 24hours post procedure. heart-consult.com

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Posted by:  Heather1(Guest)  Posted on: 01/19/2010
My mom thought she had blockage, and they did this test and it was negative, no blockage. She gets dizzy and lightheaded when doing housework and feels chest pain. COuld it be wrong? Is it worth a second opiion.

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Posted by:  sunny1  Posted on: 01/14/2008
My dad had coronary angiogram for placement of a medicated stent. But apparently something went wrong and he required immediate Coronary By pass surgery. I wonder how often this happens? Currently he is re-couping and I hope he recovers fully. The doctors say the danger is over !! Not sure What they mean. He is still in the ICU very worried.

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Posted by:  guest  Posted on: 12/30/2007
Very good Article.

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