PreOp Patient Education
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Audio Presentation

Cardiac Catheterization

Angiography


Your Body
  Your Body
  Alternatives
  Medical Record
  Anesthesia
  Before Surgery
  Your Procedure
  Recovery
This information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. MedSelfEd, Inc. disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
Before we talk about treatment, let's start with a discussion about the human body and about your medical condition.

Your doctor has recommended that you undergo a cardiac catheterization. But what does that actually mean?
Your doctor has recommended that you undergo a cardiac catheterization. But what does that actually mean?
The heart is located in the center of the chest. It's job is to keep blood continually circulating throughout the body.
The heart is located in the center of the chest. It's job is to keep blood continually circulating throughout the body.
The blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart are called arteries.
The blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart are called arteries.
The largest and most important of these is the aorta.
The largest and most important of these is the aorta.
The vessels that bring blood back into the heart are called veins.
The vessels that bring blood back into the heart are called veins.
Sometimes, these blood vessels can grow narrower or become blocked in such a way that normal blood flow is restricted.
<p> In simple terms, a cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic procedure used when your doctor believes that blood is not flowing normally in and or around your heart. </p>
Sometimes, these blood vessels can grow narrower or become blocked in such a way that normal blood flow is restricted.

In simple terms, a cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic procedure used when your doctor believes that blood is not flowing normally in and or around your heart.

During a cardiac catheterization, a heart specialist will insert a thin tube into an artery in the arm or leg...
During a cardiac catheterization, a heart specialist will insert a thin tube into an artery in the arm or leg...
... and gently guide it towards the problem area in the heart.
... and gently guide it towards the problem area in the heart.
Once the tube is in place, a special dye is injected and a series of x-rays are taken.
Once the tube is in place, a special dye is injected and a series of x-rays are taken.
These x-rays allow your doctor to see exactly how blood is flowing in your heart.
These x-rays allow your doctor to see exactly how blood is flowing in your heart.

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