Cardiac Catheterization

What is a cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure where an artery or vein, usually in the groin, is punctured and a small flexible tube is guided into the heart and major blood vessels around the heart. The catheter is moved through the heart with the aid of fluoroscopy (X-ray machine).

Why is it done?

This is usually done to help make a diagnosis of heart problems.

Anything else?

Interventional catheterization is a type of cardiac catheterization where actual treatments are performed. These specialized catheters include balloon catheters that can open up narrowed valves or arteries. There are also catheters where devices are used to close extra vessels or certain “holes” in the heart.