Cardiac catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is used to study the various functions of
the heart. Using different techniques, the coronary arteries can be
viewed by injecting dye or opened using balloon angioplasty. The
oxygen concentration can be measured across the valves and walls
(septa) of the heart and pressures within each chamber of the heart
and across the valves can be measured. The technique can even be
performed in small, newborn infants.
Review Date: 4/23/2009
Reviewed By: Steven Kang, MD, Division of Cardiac Pacing and
Electrophysiology, East Bay Arrhythmia, Cardiovascular Consultants
Medical Group, Oakland, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare
Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
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