Risks
As with any procedure, in some cases (cardiac catheterization) complications can also arise from a cardiac catheterization. Since the cardiac catheter is advanced through the arterial vascular system into the heart, it is also in close contact with the cardiac conduction system, which is responsible for each individual heartbeat. If the nervous system is irritated by the catheter tip, sometimes life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia can occur, which in most cases leads to an abortion of the examination.
A cardiac catheter represents a foreign body in the arterial vascular system. In extreme cases, coagulation of the blood flowing past it can occur. In this case there is a risk of emobolism, which can also have serious consequences (stroke, heart attack, death).
In many cases, constricted vascular sites are caused by atherosclerotic plaques that have accumulated over time due to lack of exercise and unhealthy diet. When the vessel expands at this site, plaques can tear open and dissolve, which can then be carried along with the bloodstream and block a vital blood vessel elsewhere. An embolism could also occur here.In addition, the cardiac catheter can injure the blood vessels of the heart and cause bleeding.
After a catheter examination, post-operative bleeding at the puncture site often occurs. These should be avoided by applying a pressure bandage. Depending on the size of the hematoma, surgical removal of the hematoma may be necessary. An inflammation of the corresponding puncture site can also be a consequence of the cardiac catheterization. The contrast medium may cause intolerance reactions which make it necessary to stop the examination immediately.
Alternatives to heart catheterization:
The cardiac catheter is the gold standard in the assessment of vascular conditions of the heart. This invasive examination alone enables a precise assessment of the vessels. In addition, the heart valves, congenital or acquired heart defects and other parameters of the heart can be assessed.
However, there are alternatives from which patients can also benefit in certain cases. The non-invasive options for examining the vessels of the heart are computed tomography of the heart (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging of the heart (MRI). The advantage of both methods is that they are non-invasive and therefore have no complications for the patient.
In addition, unlike the cardiac catheter, the MRI does not expose the patient to radiation. However, the CT is accompanied by a certain level of radiation exposure. Both procedures can indicate vasoconstrictions.
Experienced physicians decide individually whether a cardiac catheter examination is absolutely necessary for a patient. This depends on the type of previous illness, the suspected diagnosis and other factors. Whether an MRI or CT can achieve desirable results as an alternative is also at the discretion of the physician. If the assessment of the functioning of the heart in general is to be reviewed, then swallow echo can also be used.
