What does the examination with a cardiac catheter look like? What should be considered before and after? We provide information about the process of a cardiac catheterization examination.
Cardiac catheterization: Exam Preparation
Before a cardiac catheterization examination is performed, a number of preliminary examinations must be performed – usually by your primary care physician. These include:
- ECG
- Stress ECG
- X-ray of lungs and heart
- A blood test to determine the blood count and blood clotting levels.
Especially important is the determination of thyroid and kidney values. Hyperthyroidism must be excluded, because this malfunction is aggravated by the iodine-containing contrast media.
In addition, allergies to contrast media or anesthetics must be ruled out. Because the contrast medium is excreted by the kidneys, kidney function must be clarified.
The cardiac catheterization examination
The examination is usually performed in a special cardiac catheterization laboratory. During this procedure, the patient is on a couch, with the fluoroscopy equipment above him or her. For this purpose, monitors allow the staff to constantly view the examination itself, as well as the patient’s cardiac and circulatory functions. The examination usually takes half an hour to an hour; in the case of particularly complicated changes in the coronary vessels or in the case of high-grade calcifications and valve defects, it may take longer.
As a rule, the examination is not painful. In some patients, however, the idea that the procedure will be performed directly on the heart causes inner restlessness and tension despite their consent – in such cases, a sedative can be given. The contrast agent may cause a feeling of heat or nausea when injected, but these disappear in seconds.
After the examination
After the examination, the patient is observed intensively. To prevent secondary bleeding at the puncture site, it is closed with a pressure dressing and often the pressure is increased by applying a sandbag. If so-called anchor systems or sutures are used to close the puncture site, a pressure bandage can be dispensed with. A slight feeling of pressure at the puncture site and minor sensitivity caused by the puncture and subsequent wound healing are normal.
If only an examination but no therapeutic intervention was performed, the patient can get up again after only two to three hours. However, it is important to avoid physical exertion, especially heavy lifting. After eight to ten days, the patient is fit to return to work and can also resume sports activities. Patients requiring dialysis are always connected to the artificial kidney after a cardiac catheterization examination.
All patients should drink plenty of fluids after the examination to help excrete the contrast agent. Only patients with severe cardiac impairment should not drink as much because the increased fluid intake would further stress the heart.
