Left heart catheterization

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Cardiac catheterization

Overview

Risks

Results

Left heart catheterization

Definition:

Left heart catheterization is the passage of a catheter (a thin flexible tube) into the left side of the heart. The procedure may be performed to obtain diagnostic information about the left side of the heart or to treat certain types of heart conditions.

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The procedure can also be used to determine pressure and blood flow in the heart's chambers, to collect blood samples from the heart, and to examine the arteries of the heart by a type of x-ray called fluoroscopy.

Alternative Names:
Catheterization - left heart
How the test is performed:

You will be given a mild sedative prior to the test. An intravenous (IV) catheter is started in your arm to allow medication to be administered during the procedure. A radiologist or cardiologist inserts the catheter through a small incision in the femoral or brachial artery after cleansing the site and numbing the site with a local anesthetic.

The catheter is then carefully threaded into your heart through the aorta and aortic valve and then into the left ventricle using x-ray images called fluoroscopy to guide the insertion. When the catheter is in place, dye is injected to allow the health care provider to visualize the structures and vessels within the heart.

How to prepare for the test:

Food and fluid is restricted for 6 - 8 hours before the test.

The procedure takes place in the hospital. Sometimes, admission the night before the test is required. Otherwise, admission as an outpatient or inpatient the morning of the procedure is required.

A health care provider must explain the procedure and its risks. You must sign a consent form for the procedure.

You will be given a mild sedative 1/2 hour before the procedure. The procedure may last from 1 to several hours. You will wear hospital clothing.

Infants and children:

The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

The procedure takes place in a radiology department or cardiac diagnostic laboratory. You will be given sedation to relax prior to the procedure, but you will be awake and able to follow instructions during the test. You will remain on a stretcher for the duration of the test.