Our Services / Cardiac Catheterization

What is cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat heart conditions. During a catheterization, you need only a tiny incision that allows your provider to insert a slim catheter into your blood vessels.

Your provider guides the catheter through your blood vessels to your heart. Then they perform diagnostic tests and procedures from inside your heart.

When might I need cardiac catheterization?

Coastal Cardiology of Orange County often performs cardiac catheterization to diagnose and treat heart problems such as:

• Cardiomyopathy
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart failure
• Aortic stenosis
• Valvular disease
• Atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias

They may recommend cardiac catheterization to determine the cause of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, and a rapid heartbeat.

What diagnostic tests are done during cardiac catheterization?

During your heart catheterization, Coastal Cardiology of Orange County can:

• Locate narrowed or blocked coronary arteries
• Evaluate the pressure inside each heart chamber
• Measure oxygen levels in the four chambers
• Assess muscle contractions (the heart's pumping function)
• Identify defects in valves and muscles
• Remove tissue samples for a biopsy
• Diagnose congenital heart issues
• Conduct electrophysiology studies

Your provider can also obtain detailed images using a catheter containing a tiny ultrasound device. Or they can perform a coronary angiogram by injecting dye through the catheter and taking X-ray movies of the heart.

What procedures are performed during cardiac catheterization?

The catheter is a versatile instrument that’s equipped with different advanced devices. As a result, they can perform procedures such as:

Balloon angioplasty with or without stenting

After guiding a catheter to your blocked coronary artery, your provider releases a balloon from the catheter and inflates it. The balloon pushes the cholesterol plaque against the artery wall, which restores blood flow. Then they may insert a stent to keep the artery open.

Valve repairs

Coastal Cardiology of Orange County uses the catheter to implant a new valve to replace a damaged valve. They may also use a balloon to open the original valve and improve its function.

Cardiac ablation

Your provider can use a catheter equipped with either a radiofrequency or cryoablation device, using the hot or cold energy to destroy the tissues causing an irregular heartbeat.

Repairing defects

During cardiac catheterization, they can repair congenital abnormalities. For example, they may close a hole or stop a leaking valve.

When you need cardiac catheterization, you can depend on the experience of Coastal Cardiology of Orange County. To schedule an appointment, call the nearest office or use the online booking feature today.