Cath lab Flashcards
When are ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators) used?
ICDs constantly monitor irregular heartbeats and tries to correct them. helps during cardiac arrest.
an ICD might also be recommended post cardiac arrest as well as:
- history of coronary artery disease and an MI that has weakened the heart
- an enlarged heart muscle
- a genetic heart condition that increases the risk of dangerously fast heart rhythms, such as some types of long QT syndromes
Types of ICD?
Traditional ICD: implanted under the skin just below the left clavicle. leads attach to the heart and the implant procedure requires invasive surgery. (matchbox sized)
Subcutaneous ICD: implanted in subcutaneous tissue of the chest over the 6th rib between the left midaxillary and the left anterior axillary lines. (double the size)
Advantages of the S-ICD versus the traditional ICD?
MAIN + :absence of leads within the heart and the preservation of central venous circulation
no risk of vascular injury or pneumothorax
risk of systemic infections appears to be very low
What is angiography?
A technique used to visualise the inside of blood vessels using X rays and radio-opique die injected into vessels such as:
- Coronary angiography
- CTPA (CT pulmonary angiogram, blood vessels that run from the heart to the lungs, pulmonary arteries)
- Cerebral angiography (when looking for stroke)
- Abdominal angiography (looking for ischaemic bowel)
- Limbs (when assessing for periopheral vascular disease and acute limb ischaemia)
Access vessels in coronary angiograms?
entry of needle and then sheath into either the radial or femoral artery then die into coronary arteries
radial artery commonly used as less risk of severe haemorrhage, shorter hospital stay and patient comfort. 73% reduction in major bleeding compilations compared to femoral route.
Aim of coronary artery angioplasty?
To image any narrowed or clogged coronary artery points that are causing ischaemia to the heart and possibly insert balloon and then stent which stays in place
