cardiac catheterization
Invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure using catheters to evaluate and treat pediatric heart conditions.
Full Definition
Cardiac catheterization in pediatric cardiology involves the insertion of thin, flexible tubes (catheters) into the heart and blood vessels to diagnose and treat congenital heart disease. The procedure allows for detailed hemodynamic assessment, measurement of pressures and oxygen saturations, angiographic imaging of cardiac structures, and therapeutic interventions such as balloon dilations, device closures, and coil embolizations. In children, special considerations include the use of appropriate catheter sizes, sedation or general anesthesia, and careful attention to radiation exposure and contrast volume.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as 'cath' in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "Diagnostic cardiac catheterization confirmed the presence of elevated pulmonary vascular resistance." — Diagnostic procedure report
- "The patient underwent cardiac catheterization for transcatheter closure of a muscular ventricular septal defect." — Interventional procedure note