Interventional catheterization procedure
(Procedures and Examinations)
This topic will help you understand the interventional catheterization procedure and how to prepare for it.
What is the Interventional Catheterization Procedure?
It is a non-surgical medical procedure used to diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions using a catheter. It is considered an alternative to surgery in certain cases. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the heart through arteries in the groin or wrist. Tools such as balloons or stents are used to widen narrowed blood vessels or to close abnormal openings in the heart.
- Tools Used in theBalloon AngioplastyInterventional Catheterization Procedure:
- The appropriate tools are selected during the procedureStentbased on the clinical condition. These may include:
- Balloon Angioplasty: A catheter with a small balloon is inserted near the blockageDrug-Eluting Stent – DESor narrowing in the coronary artery and inflated to improve blood flow.
- Stent: A small mesh metal tube used to keep the narrowed coronary artery open.RotablationThe stent is inserted after the balloon is inflated, to secure it in place
- Drug-Eluting Stent (DES): A stent coated with medication that isCutting Balloonslowly released to reduce the risk of artery re-narrowing (restenosis).
- Rotablation: A specialized catheter with a high-speed rotating tip used toRadiofrequency Ablationgrind away fatty deposits from artery walls, improving blood flow.
- Cutting Balloon: A balloon catheter withCardiac Implantssmall blades used to score plaquePacemakerdeposits on the artery wall beforeCardioverter Defibrillatorscompressing them to widen the artery.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: An electrical catheter used toTranscatheter Aortic Valve Replacement – TAVRdestroy abnormal tissues causing irregular heart rhythms.
Cardiac Implants: Devices such as pacemakers and cardioverter defibrillators that help regulate heart rhythm and treat certain cardiac conditions.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): A procedure in which a damaged aortic valve is replaced using a catheter, typically for severe aortic stenosis.
- When is the Interventional Catheterization Procedure Performed?
- The procedure is used when a detailed assessment of heart function is required, or to treat specific cardiac issues, such as:
- Treating coronary artery narrowing and improving blood flow
- Evaluating and repairing heart valve function
- Diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders
- Assessing heart performance in heart failure cases and obtaining hemodynamic measurements
- Widening of narrowed peripheral arteries
Evaluating and treating congenital heart defects
Diagnosing inflammation or diseases affecting the heart muscle or lining
- Health Guidelines for the Interventional Catheterization Procedure
- Before the Procedure:
- The patient should fast for several hours (no food or drink).
Inform the doctor of all medications being taken; some may need to be stopped (e.g., blood thinners, aspirin, diabetes medications).
- Notify the doctor of any allergies.
- After the Procedure:
- Do not drive.
- If traveling home from a different area, stop every hour and walk for 5 to 10 minutes. On flights, stand and stretch your legs in the aisle every hour.
- Keep the pressure dressing over the catheter insertion site until the next day to minimize bleeding.
- If the catheter was inserted via the groin, lie down and keep the leg straight for 6 hours after the procedure.
- Use pain relievers if there is discomfort at the insertion site.
Gradually return to normal activities—usually within 1 to 2 days.
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Avoid bathtubs, hot tubs (saunas), and swimming for 3 to 4 days after the procedure to prevent infection at the catheter site.
Frequently Asked Questions
