Coronary Catheterization

A Complete Guide to Procedures, Types, and Risks

1. Coronary Catheters: Types and Uses in Modern Cardiology

Types of Coronary Catheters

Coronary catheters are essential tools in heart care.
Diagnostic → For imaging arteries.
Guiding → Support for stents & balloons.
Balloon → Opens narrowed arteries.
Stent Delivery → Places the stent inside arteries.
Specialized → Breaks tough calcium deposits.

Choosing the right catheter ensures better outcomes.

What Is Coronary Catheterization? A Step-by-Step Overview

What Is Coronary Catheterization?

A safe, minimally invasive procedure to detect and treat heart blockages.
Local anesthesia in wrist or groin.
Dye injection to visualize arteries.
If needed → balloon or stent treatment.

It’s the gold standard for diagnosing and treating coronary artery disease.

2. Cardiac Catheterization: Beyond the Coronary Arteries

Cardiac Catheterization Explained

“Cardiac catheterization” covers all heart catheter procedures.
Right Heart Cath → Measures pressures inside the heart & lungs.
Left Heart Cath → Visualizes & treats coronary arteries.
Combined → Diagnosis and stent treatment in one session.

Modern techniques (radial access, IVUS, OCT) make it safer & more precise.

3. Cardiac Catheterization Risks: What Patients Should Know

Risks of Cardiac Catheterization

The procedure is generally safe, but risks exist:
Minor: bleeding, allergic reaction, arrhythmias.
Rare: artery tear, stroke, kidney issues.

With today has advanced technology, serious complications are extremely rare (<0.1%).