Cardiac catheterization

Cardiac catheterization involves the insertion of fine-bore tubes (catheters) into the heart through cannulae inserted into a peripheral artery or vein. Previously, transfemoral access was predominantly used, but the safer radial artery approach has now become the preferred access route for most UK operators. Left heart catheterization is used to evaluate coronary arteries, left-sided valvular function, left ventricular function and aortic root anatomy. Haemodynamic and oxygen saturation data obtained from right and left heart catheterization provide information on cardiac chamber function, valvular function, pericardial constraint and pulmonary and systemic circulation haemodynamics. The comprehensive evaluation is especially invaluable in the diagnostic work-up and/or monitoring of patients with complex cardiac conditions; this particularly includes those with ischaemic heart disease, valvular disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, intracardiac shunts, pericardial disease or heart failure.