cardiac catheterization
Invasive diagnostic procedure involving insertion of catheters into cardiac chambers and coronary arteries to assess structure and function.
Full Definition
Cardiac catheterization is an invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that involves the insertion of specialized catheters through vascular access points to evaluate cardiac anatomy, function, and hemodynamics. The procedure allows for direct measurement of intracardiac pressures, assessment of coronary artery anatomy through angiography, and evaluation of valve function. In the context of cardiovascular surgery, catheterization data provides crucial preoperative planning information and may identify patients requiring urgent surgical intervention. Complications can include bleeding, vessel injury, and contrast-induced nephropathy.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as 'cath' in informal clinical communication but should be spelled out in formal reports.
In Context
- "Preoperative cardiac catheterization revealed three-vessel coronary artery disease requiring surgical revascularization." — Surgical planning note
- "The patient underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization to evaluate valve gradients before planned surgical replacement." — Procedure report