What is right heart catheterization?

A right-heart cath involves your doctor guiding a pulmonary artery (PA) catheter (a short, hollow tube) to the right side of your heart. After that, he or she inserts the tube into your pulmonary artery. This is the primary blood vessel that leads to your lungs. Your doctor will examine your heart's blood flow and evaluate the pressures inside your heart and lungs.

Your doctor checks pressures inside the chambers on the right side of your heart as the catheter travels toward your pulmonary artery. This encompasses the right atrium as well as the right ventricle. Indirect assessments of pressures on the left side of your heart can also be taken by your doctor. During a right-heart cath, your cardiac output—the volume of blood your heart pumps per minute—is also measured.

All of these measurements are used to detect cardiac problems and decide the best treatment options for you.

 
 

Dr. Leandro Perez explains the purpose of a cardiac catheterization and what you can expect during the procedure.

 
 

Why is it done?

A right heart catheterization may be recommended by your doctor to determine if you have excessive blood pressure in your lungs (pulmonary hypertension). The test can assist determine the cause of pulmonary hypertension as well as the severity of the condition.

If you're being considered for a heart, lung, or other organ transplant, you could need a right heart catheterization.

A right-heart catheterization may be required to diagnose or treat the following conditions:

What can you expect during the test?

You will be awake throughout the process, but the area of your body where the surgery will be performed will be numb. The jugular vein in the neck is most commonly utilized, although the doctor may also use a vein in your arm (radial) or groin (femoral vein) (femoral).

The doctor will make a small incision to place a catheter, which is a long, thin tube. The catheter is directed to your heart and pulmonary arteries. Throughout the treatment, the pressure in these regions is monitored.

During the test, your doctor may ask you to hold your breath, bear down, cough, and perform other exercises. If you experience any pain or discomfort throughout the operation, please notify your procedure team.

You could be given nitric oxide to assist your lungs' blood veins relax. Your doctor will examine your blood pressure in the vessels to see if the medicine has an effect.

To evaluate if fluid affects your blood pressure, you may receive saline solution via an IV.

If you have had a heart transplant, your doctor will take a tiny tissue sample (biopsy) to check for symptoms of organ rejection and to assess how your new heart is performing.

How to prepare for a right heart cath?

You will most likely be instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your catheterization. If you have diabetes, discuss how to prepare for the test with your doctor, including when you should eat and take your insulin or other prescriptions. All drugs, including prescription blood thinners and antiplatelets, as well as over-the-counter medications, should be disclosed to your doctor. Make a list of your medications and their doses to bring with you to the test.

It's critical to discuss how to prepare for the test with your doctor, including diet, drink, and medicines. If you have any questions, you should contact us for particular advice on how to prepare.

After the procedure

After the treatment, the majority of patients are able to return home. You will be allowed to drive following the treatment, but having someone drive you home may make you feel more comfortable.

After the operation, do not bend down, lift, push, or pull for 2 to 4 hours. If the pressure in your heart or lungs is very high, or if your heart isn't pumping enough blood, you may need to travel to an intensive care unit (ICU) for additional testing or treatment.

 

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