Cardiac catheterization is used to study the various functions of
the heart or to obtain diagnostic information about the heart or
its vessels. A small incision is made in an artery or vein in the
arm, neck, or groin. The catheter is threaded through the artery or
vein into the heart. X-ray images called fluoroscopy are used to
guide the insertion. When the catheter is in place, dye is injected
to visualize the structures and vessels within the heart.
Review Date: 04/23/2009
Reviewed By: Steven Kang, MD, Division of Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology,
East Bay Arrhythmia, Cardiovascular Consultants Medical Group,
Oakland, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
