“Cardiac catheterization and angiography

It is a procedure we use to get detailed information about your child’s heart and the blood vessels around it. It’s especially helpful for diagnosing certain heart conditions or planning treatments. The procedure involves using a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to reach the heart through a blood vessel, and it allows us to see exactly how well the heart and its arteries are working.

Here’s what happens during the procedure:

Preparation:

When you and your child arrive, we’ll take them to the cardiac catheterization lab, also known as the cath lab. Your child will change into a hospital gown, and we’ll explain the procedure to you both so you know what to expect. We’ll place an IV in your child’s arm to give them fluids and medications during the procedure. Your child will receive medication to help them relax and may be given a mild sedative or general anesthesia to ensure they’re comfortable and pain-free.

Inserting the Catheter:

The doctor will numb a small area on your child’s groin, arm, or wrist, where the catheter will be inserted. After the area is numb, a small incision is made, and the catheter is gently guided into a blood vessel. The catheter is carefully threaded through the blood vessel up to the heart. Your child won’t feel the catheter moving inside their body.

Performing Angiography:

Once the catheter is in place, a contrast dye is injected through it. This dye makes the blood vessels around the heart visible on X-ray images. As the dye flows through the heart and arteries, the doctor takes X-ray pictures to see if there are any blockages, narrowings, or other issues.
These images give us a detailed look at how blood is flowing through your child’s heart and can help us diagnose problems like coronary artery disease, heart valve issues, or congenital heart defects.

Measuring Heart Function:

During the procedure, the doctor can also measure pressures inside the heart chambers and take blood samples to check oxygen levels. This provides more information about how well your child’s heart is functioning.

Completing the Procedure:

Once the necessary information has been gathered, the catheter is carefully removed. The insertion site is then closed, either with a small stitch, a special closure device, or by applying pressure to prevent bleeding. Your child will be taken to a recovery area where they’ll be monitored for a few hours to ensure they’re doing well after the procedure.

After the Procedure:

Your child will need to rest and keep the insertion site still for a few hours to allow it to heal properly. Most children can go home the same day, but in some cases, an overnight stay might be needed for observation. We’ll give you instructions on how to care for the insertion site at home, and your child should avoid strenuous activities for a few days.

Why We Use Cardiac Catheterization and Angiography:

This procedure provides detailed and accurate information about your child’s heart and blood vessels that we can’t get from other tests. It’s crucial for diagnosing heart problems, planning treatments, or even performing certain types of heart repairs during the procedure.
It’s a common and generally safe procedure that gives us valuable insights into your child’s heart health. We’ll take every precaution to ensure your child is comfortable and well cared for throughout the process, and we’re here to answer any questions you may have.