A cardiac catheterisation is an examination of the blood vessels surrounding the heart (coronary arteries or coronaries). In this way, the doctor can detect or exclude stenoses in the coronary arteries with certainty and measure the pressure of the heart at various points.
For a cardiac catheterisation, you are given local anaesthetic. The doctor then inserts a thin tube (catheter) through the blood vessels to the heart from the groin, elbow crease or wrist. When the catheter is in the correct position, a contrast agent is injected. This fluid fully fills the coronary arteries and makes the course of the vessels visible, which is filmed with by X-ray.
If the doctor detects a narrowing, they may decide to open it up immediately (dilatation) with or without inserting a stent (coil). This opens up a narrowed or closed blood vessel to improve the blood supply to the heart. The catheter is removed when the examination is complete. The doctor can then use a device to close off your blood vessel and prevent bleeding. They may also decide to close the artery with a special closure device.
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