Intermediate
Technical
IVT
catheterisation
Medical procedure involving insertion of a catheter into blood vessels to diagnose or treat heart conditions.
Full Definition
Cardiac catheterisation is a minimally invasive procedure where a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into blood vessels and guided to the heart. It allows direct measurement of pressures within heart chambers, assessment of valve function, and visualization of coronary arteries through contrast injection (angiography). The procedure can be diagnostic or therapeutic, such as balloon angioplasty or stent placement. British spelling uses 'catheterisation' while American spelling uses 'catheterization'.
Usage
Usage note: British spelling 'catheterisation' vs American 'catheterization' - maintain consistency within documents.
In Context
- "Right heart catheterisation confirmed elevated pulmonary pressures." — Cardiology procedure report
- "The patient is scheduled for diagnostic catheterisation to assess coronary anatomy." — Pre-procedure planning note
Also known as
cardiac catheterization
heart catheterisation
cardiac cath
Don't confuse with
angiography
angioplasty