A coronary angiogram or cardiac catheterization is a medical imaging treatment where your doctor can check the functioning of your heart. During this procedure, your healthcare provider will place a small, hollow plastic tube into a blood vessel in your neck, groin, or arm and thread it to the coronary arteries. Cardiac catheterization procedures are very beneficial as they can be used to check for a wide array of heart complications. This imaging procedure can also be used to obtain your blood samples, measure the varying pressures in your heart, and monitor your oxygen levels. After placing the catheter properly, your provider will inject a dye to help check blood flow through the tube. In this post, we will tell you all you need to know about Tomball cardiac catheterization.
What Are the Main Uses of Cardiac Catheterization Procedures?
As mentioned earlier, coronary angiogram procedures can be used to check for various factors that may affect the normal functions of your heart. Below are some of the main uses of this imaging procedure:
- Check the functioning of your heart muscles
- Determine the immediate cause of your abnormal heart rhythm or chest pains
- Evaluate the functioning of your pulmonary arteries
- Remove blockages in your artery
- Assist with the planning of heart transplant procedures
- Diagnose mitral valve regurgitation, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension, or aortic stenosis
- Diagnose disease of the aorta, valve disease, or coronary artery disease
- Determine the need for further heart treatments, such as heart surgery
Before the Procedure
Before the actual cardiac catheterization procedure, you will be taken to a room where your practitioner will request you to wear a hospital gown and offer you warm, comfy blankets. You will then be requested to lie on a special table, and an intravenous line will be injected into your arm to receive fluids and other medications during the procedure. Your healthcare provider will clean and even shave the hair around the insertion site, where they will place the tiny, narrow plastic tube. With your hands and arms down at your side, sterile drapes will be used to prevent the risk of infection. Small, sticky patches (electrodes) will be placed on your chest and are linked to an electrocardiograph monitor (ECG) that displays your heart rhythm and rate. While you will be awake during the whole procedure, your doctor will offer you a mild sedative to help you remain relaxed.
During the Procedure
Once all the preparations are complete, and the catheter is in place, your healthcare provider will carefully inject a dye through the tiny, hollow plastic tube to help monitor blood flow in your blood vessels. Digital images of this contrast material are then displayed on a monitor to help your doctor notice any problems in your coronary artery. X-ray cameras can also capture images of your heart chambers and major blood vessels. When all the photographs have been taken, your doctor will gently remove the plastic tube to prevent the risk of bleeding. You will also be requested to remain still as the catheter is being removed to avoid any complications after the procedure.
At Cardiovascular Institute, we have provided the residents living in and around Tomball, Texas, with comprehensive and individualized treatments for cardiovascular diseases. Led by Dr. Daljit Muttiana, MD, FSCAI, and the highly skilled team of medical experts, you are guaranteed to receive long-lasting solutions to problems in your circulatory system, such as varicose veins and venous insufficiency. Get started today and book an appointment or call us today at 281-612-9791.
