Cardiac Catheterisation and Coronary Angiography

Cardiac catheterisation and coronary angiography are medical procedures used to diagnose and treat heart conditions, particularly those related to the coronary arteries.

What is Cardiac Catheterisation?

Cardiac catheterisation is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery in the leg or arm and guided to the heart. This allows doctors to perform various tests and treatments, including measuring blood pressure and oxygen levels in the heart, collecting blood samples, and injecting dye into the coronary arteries to visualize them on an X-ray.

What is Coronary Angiography?

Coronary angiography is a type of imaging test that uses X-rays to produce detailed pictures of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. During the procedure, a special dye is injected into the coronary arteries through the catheter, and X-ray images are taken as the dye flows through the arteries. This allows doctors to see any blockages or narrowing in the arteries.

Purpose of the Procedure

The purpose of cardiac catheterisation and coronary angiography is to:

• Diagnose coronary artery disease, including blockages or narrowing of the arteries
• Evaluate the severity of heart valve problems
• Assess the function of the heart muscle
• Plan for future treatments, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery
• Monitor the effectiveness of previous treatments

How is the Procedure Performed?

The procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. The patient is given local anaesthesia to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted.
2. A small incision is made in the skin, and the catheter is inserted into an artery in the leg or arm.
3. The catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the heart using X-ray imaging.
4. Once the catheter is in place, the doctor may perform various tests, such as measuring blood pressure and oxygen levels.
5. A special dye is injected into the coronary arteries, and X-ray images are taken as the dye flows through the arteries.
6. The catheter is then removed, and the incision site is closed with a small bandage or stitch.

Risks and Complications

As with any medical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with cardiac catheterisation and coronary angiography. These may include:

• Bleeding or bruising at the catheter site
• Infection
• Damage to the blood vessels or heart
• Allergic reaction to the dye used in the procedure
• Kidney damage (in rare cases)

After the Procedure

After the procedure, the patient will typically be monitored for several hours to ensure that there are no complications. The patient may need to:

• Rest in bed for several hours
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for several days
• Take medication to prevent blood clots or manage any underlying conditions
• Follow a special diet or lifestyle plan to manage heart health

Conclusion

Cardiac catheterisation and coronary angiography are important diagnostic tools for evaluating heart health. While there are risks and complications associated with the procedure, it can provide valuable information for planning treatment and managing heart conditions.