cardiac catheterization
An invasive diagnostic procedure involving insertion of catheters into the heart and coronary vessels to assess cardiac function and anatomy.
Full Definition
Cardiac catheterization is an invasive cardiovascular procedure where thin, flexible tubes (catheters) are inserted through blood vessels and advanced to the heart chambers and coronary arteries. The procedure allows direct measurement of pressures within cardiac chambers, assessment of cardiac output, evaluation of valve function, and visualization of coronary anatomy through contrast injection (coronary angiography). Left heart catheterization typically involves accessing the aorta and left ventricle via arterial approach, while right heart catheterization involves venous access to evaluate right-sided pressures and cardiac output. This procedure serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, as it can be combined with interventional procedures such as angioplasty or valve interventions.
Usage
Usage note: Can be abbreviated as 'cardiac cath' in informal documentation but should be spelled out in formal reports.
In Context
- "Cardiac catheterization demonstrated severe three-vessel coronary artery disease requiring surgical revascularization." — Cardiology consultation report
- "Right heart catheterization confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance." — Hemodynamic study report