Cardiac Catheterization

Question 1

is a diagnostic procedure that examines how the heart and its blood vessels function. It involves passing of radiopaque catheter guided by fluoroscopy through an artery or vein into the right or left side of the heart and/or selected coronary arteries

Answer 1

Cardiac Catherization

Question 2

How to prepare for Angio?

Question 3

Complications During the Procedure
(Angio / Catheterization)

Answer 3

1. Arrhythmias – ventricular arrhythmias usually occur due to catheter manipulation, contrast, injection or
   reperfusion in the cardiac catheterization lab; this usually self resolves, but may require
   defibrillation/cardioversion in the catheterization lab.
2. Allergic Reactions – sneezing, bronchospasm, etc. treated with antihistamines before/after the
   procedure.

Question 4

Complications AFTER the Procedure
(Angio / Catheterization)

Answer 4

1. MI – can be caused by distal embolization of plaque post PCI
2. CVA – due to disruption/embolization of atheromatous plaque on the aorta walls.
3. Acute thrombosis – is an occlusion of the punctured artery site; the patient may have lower extremity
   pain or paraesthesia with diminished/absent pulses – requires urgent surgery.
4. Retroperitoneal bleed – patient may have flank pain/hypotension.
5. Hematoma- bleeding internally, painful, hard, bruising noted, must be reduced
6. AV fistula – identified by a bruit at the puncture site – would require surgery
7. Pseudoaneurysm – identified by a bruit at the puncture site – U/S guided compression, surgery.
8. Arterial Perforation/Dissection – may cause cardiac tamponade; may be treated with a covered stent to
   the site, pericardiocentesis or emergent CABG.
9. Infection – redness/discharge at the puncture site, the patient may have an elevated temperature.
10. Vasovagal reaction – a patient may experience a low BP/HR/ it may self-resolve or fluids/medication
    may be needed (it is important to monitor the patients’ B/P & HR and notify the physician.
11. Renal failure may occur as a result of the effects of contrast dye. This is why we check patient’s
    creatinine levels/GFR prior to procedures and pre-treat accordingly