cardiac catheterization
Invasive procedure using contrast injection through catheters to visualize coronary arteries and assess cardiac function.
Full Definition
Cardiac catheterization is an invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure involving the insertion of thin, flexible tubes (catheters) into blood vessels to reach the heart. The procedure allows direct measurement of pressures within cardiac chambers, assessment of coronary artery anatomy through contrast angiography, and evaluation of cardiac output and valve function. Left heart catheterization typically accesses coronary arteries via femoral or radial arterial approach, while right heart catheterization evaluates pulmonary pressures and cardiac output through venous access. This gold standard procedure can also facilitate interventions such as angioplasty and stent placement.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as 'cath' in clinical documentation; distinguish from other catheter procedures.
In Context
- "Cardiac catheterization revealed severe three-vessel coronary artery disease." — Interventional cardiology report
- "The patient was scheduled for diagnostic cardiac catheterization to evaluate chest pain." — Pre-procedure note