Right heart catheterization is a diagnostic modality that helps to assess the functioning of the heart and determine the pressure of blood flowing through the main vessels of your lungs. It is due to this very reason that the procedure is commonly referred to as pulmonary artery catheterization.
Indication
Right heart catheterization is recommended for patients with pulmonary hypertension to find out the pressure of blood flowing through the veins. The procedure can not only help to detect pulmonary hypertension but also assess its adversity.
Procedure
- The procedure involves the use of sedatives to numb the area through which the catheter is to be inserted. It can be done by the jugular vein, radial vein of femoral vein
- The capacitor will be introduced by making a small in season and guide you toward the heart.
- This involves the use of high-definition imaging guidance using a surgical camera.
- During the procedure, your doctor will ask you to breathe, cough or bear down for the detailed examination
- Nitric oxide may be administered to your blood vessels to help your lungs relax.
- A saline solution may also be given intravenously to assess if there is any change in blood pressure
- In case the procedure is being performed after a heart transplant, a small sample of tissue may be collected for performing biopsy for organ rejection