Right and Left Heart Catheterization
What the Service Involves
These procedures involve the insertion of a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into the heart through blood vessels, typically from the arm, neck, or groin. For right heart catheterization, the catheter is directed into the right side of the heart to measure pressures and collect blood samples. For left heart catheterization, the catheter is used to perform angiography to visualize the left side of the heart and its associated arteries.
Preparation
Patients are generally asked to fast for a few hours before the procedure. It’s also important to discuss all medications with your doctor, as some may need to be paused or adjusted.
During the Test
The procedure usually takes between 1 to 3 hours, depending on whether any additional interventions are performed. Local anesthesia is used, and patients are typically awake, though sedated.
Benefits
Right and left heart catheterizations can diagnose and sometimes treat conditions affecting heart function. They are vital for understanding detailed aspects of heart health, particularly in patients with congenital heart defects, heart failure, or complex coronary artery disease.