Cardiac catheterization
Surgery is performed in the operating room. Medical cameras and x-rays are used to monitor the operation. The aim of the procedure is to treat cardiovascular problems, such as widening the arteries, and placing supports to avoid a narrow occurrence of the arteries. To repair congenital heart defects, replace heart valves, or to treat other heart problems.
Cardiac catheterization purposes
- Enlargement of the arteries: This is done by inserting the volumetric balloon into the artery block and opening it. Normally, metal supports are placed in the artery to reduce the possibility of further narrowing.
- Closing the heart holes and congenital defects: Catheters are used to close such holes.
- Repair or replace heart valves: This is done by inserting catheters and replacing the valve.
- Treatment of irregular heartbeat: Where laser, thermal radio waves, or nitrous oxide are used; to destroy areas that cause heart disturbances.
- Close part of the heart to prevent blood clotting: Where the operation is performed to close part of the upper heart chamber, known as the left atrium, where this area causes the problem of blood clotting when irregular heartbeat.
How to perform a heart catheterization
- Introducing a calf in the arm to provide the patient with analgesics and medication during the procedure, which helps him stay alert to follow instructions during the procedure.
- Shave the area by which the catheterization procedure will be performed and cleaned, often the area is at the groin.
- Give the patient local anesthetic.
- The insertion of a needle through a larger vein, and the introduction of a small tube known as a catheter, where the location of the catheter in the blood vessels on a special screen, and the imaging through the use of X-rays.
- Fix the problem to be treated, then remove the catheterization tools after the operation is completed. It is possible to use a device to close the catheter, and this procedure takes about an hour.
Procedures taken after cardiac catheterization
- Transfer the patient to a care room for a number of hours.
- Place pressure on the catheter to prevent bleeding.
- The patient should keep the leg outstretched, and not moved.
- Check the number of heart beats, and other things related to the heart.
- Examine swelling, chest pain, or bleeding before the patient leaves the hospital.
Instructions followed by patients at home after catheterization
- Follow all doctor’s directions and instructions.
- The speed of the return of the person who performed the operation for his normal activities is due to the nature of the procedure performed for him, and this is done by consulting the doctor.
- It is normal to have a small bruise at the site of the catheter hole. If bleeding occurs at the site of the hole, the patient must lie down and press it from the top.