Coronary Angiography

Coronary Angiogram
Left Heart Catherization (Cath)

Procedure Time: Usually 30 mins to 60 mins

Left heart catheterization is the passage of a thin flexible tube (catheter) into the left side of the heart. It is done to diagnose or treat certain heart problems. It can be performed from a wrist approach (radial) or from a groin approach (femoral).

It is usually performed to confirm presence of coronary blockages that can be the cause of a patient’s chest pain (angina.) If a blockage is found PCI can be performed (see below). A heart cath may also be performed as preparation for a cardiac surgery, to obtain pressure measurements in the heart and lungs, and to help guide further treatment on different disorders.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
(Angioplasty & Stenting)

If a significant blockage in one of the coronary arteries is found, usually a balloon is used to inflate the blockage and a stent is deployed to keep the vessel open and allow blood to continue flowing to the heart. If multiple blockages are found, patients will most likely be referred for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.