Dr Lorenzo Arce Best Cardiologist Tijuana

Cardiac catheterization

What is a cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to study the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle and to identified arteries that are affected by certain diseases. This technique uses iodine-based contrast that is injected into the coronary vascular tree, accessed by inserting a catheter into a peripheral vessel and advancing it through the blood vessels to the region of the heart that is being evaluated.

Once the contrast is injected into the coronary arteries, possible lesions of the heart vessels are evaluated using an X-ray machine, through this same modality the contrast media is pushed into the cardiac cavities allowing the cardiologist to identify the function of the ventricles and health valves.

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How is the procedure performed?

A puncture of the common femoral artery is performed at the groin, or other access at the forearm level through the radial artery (with local anesthesia) can also be obtained, through these puncture a catheter (angiographic catheter) is introduced and advanced to the vessel that needs to be evaluated, in this case the coronary arteries or the cardiac ventricle. If for some reason it cannot be accessed through the femoral artery, the other alternatives that can be used are the brachial or humeral arteries, the arms, the elbow flexure or even the wrists.

After manipulating and positioning the catheters in the different coronary arteries, a series of contrast injections are performed to obtain information on the condition of the coronary arteries through the use of X-rays.

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Misión de San Diego 1527, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana, 22010 Tijuana, B.C.

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Preparation for the exam

Prior to the procedure a series of lab exams will be obtained to prevent bleeding complications, the test evaluates platelet levels and coagulation times. A full physical exam and history will be taken to evaluate medications the patient is using, especially antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin or anticoagulants such as Coumadin. Prior to the catheter insertion, the puncture area is shaved and the femoral artery pulse is evaluated, this to make sure there are no murmurs to auscultation. Before the test, a sedative is usually administered to make the process more comfortable. This is not general anesthesia, just a mild sedation.

Grupo Cardiovascular de Tijuana

Misión de San Diego 1527, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana, 22010 Tijuana, B.C.

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(664) 634-3139

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What to expect during the procedure?

During the test, local anesthesia will be administered to the puncture site and the catheter will be inserted. Heart rate, femoral and pedal pulses, blood pressure and general vital signs are constantly monitored throughout the procedure. The puncture of the femoral artery does require some added some pressure to the site, o local anesthetic is injected to the site to decrease the discomfort.

The duration of the procedures varies depending on the patient’s anatomy and the difficulty accessing the heart arteries. After performing the test, an adequate pressure should be maintained in the puncture area to avoid bleeding and bruising for an adequate period of time. If bruises appear, they will be treated with medication prescribed by the doctor. After the procedure the patient will spend a few hours in post-operative room where lower extremity pulses are monitored while the patient remains supine with legs stretched out and a compression bandage is placed for 12-24 hours. Since iodine contrast substance was used during the procedure it is recommended to drink plenty of water to help on the elimination of iodine contrast.

When is a cardiac catheterism indicated?

Coronary angiography is indicated both in the diagnosis and in the treatment of coronary vascular problems and in cases of stenosis (narrowing or obstruction) of a coronary artery or any of its branches that may be causing symptoms of ischemic heart disease.

In addition, in cases of stenosis, therapeutic procedures such as angioplasty through the placement of a balloon in the obstructed area can be used to dilate that region, sometimes expandable meshes are placed with or without added medications that prevent the dilated vessel from narrowing again. On occasions the blood clots that have been identified as the cause of the obstruction can be destroyed with fibrinolytic drugs.

Ventriculography is an additional study that can also identify possible alterations in cardiac ventricular contraction that cause heart failure, as well as alterations in the functionality of the heart valves, what we call valvular disease.

Expected results

What we are hoping to find is a healthy heart free from alterations in the arteries, or in the ventricular function, as well as in the heart valves. When we find narrowing of the vessels, what we call stenosis in the coronary arteries of their branches we evaluate the level of obstruction, we classify it as severe if there is a 70% obstruction, and critical if its 90%.

What kind of abnormal results can be detected with this test?

Abnormal results may reveal coronary artery disease that can lead to angina pectoris, heart attack, or disturbances in heart function leading to heart failure. Others such as valvulopathy or alteration of the valves of the heart can also be diagnosed.

Grupo Cardiovascular de Tijuana

Misión de San Diego 1527, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana, 22010 Tijuana, B.C.

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(664) 634-3139

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What are the risks?

Some of the complications involve bleeding at the puncture site, an allergic reaction to the contrast media, or alterations in kidney function due to a toxic reaction to the contrast media. For this reason, this test is contraindicated in all those patients with an allergy to iodine, also special care is given to patients with kidney disorders since this substance can be highly toxic. The use of contrast iodine is restricted in patients with kidney disease or used only under strictly controlled circumstances.

The presence of murmurs or obstructions in the femoral artery is also a contraindication for this procedure, a second site of puncture should be evaluated, like the other leg or one of the arms. Like any technique in which X-rays are used, it is contraindicated in the first months of pregnancy due to the harmful effects of radiation on the fetus. On some patients the body has a reflex response to a foreign device and drops blood pressure and heart rate, although rate the cardiologist is always prepared to identify these situations and respond to them immediately.

Special considerations

Complications are rare, but to minimize the risk, the cardiologist will be prepared for any possible complication and will always suggest the best option for the patient’s condition, with the benefit always outweighing the risk.

Want to discuss your medical options? Contact us by phone at (664) 634-3139.

Cardiac catheterization

What is a cardiac catheterization?

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How is the procedure performed?

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Preparation for the exam

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What to expect during the procedure?

When is a cardiac catheterism indicated?

Expected results

What kind of abnormal results can be detected with this test?

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What are the risks?

Special considerations

Topics of interest

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