Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that evaluates the structure and functioning of your heart.
During the procedure, Dr. Farah inserts a catheter (a thin, hollow tube) into a large blood vessel, slowly advancing it forward until it reaches your heart using X-ray-guided imaging.
Dr. Farah measures the pressure and blood flow through the chambers in your heart. She also administers a contrast dye to take X-ray pictures of the blood flow through your heart — a process known as coronary angiography.
Dr. Farah performs a right or left cardiac catheterization.
A right cardiac catheterization, or pulmonary artery catheterization, measures how well your heart pumps blood and the blood pressure in the heart and the lungs.
The left cardiac catheterization evaluates the left side of your heart to look for cardiac valve disease or heart defects.
Dr. Farah explains in detail why she needs to perform a cardiac catheterization. She does the procedure to closely examine the structure and functioning of your heart.
She may recommend cardiac catheterization to look for narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries, heart defects, or heart valve disorders.
Cardiac catheterization is an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour. A nurse places an intravenous (IV) line in your arm to administer medication that helps you relax during the process.
Dr. Farah injects a local anesthetic into the site where she plans to insert the catheter. She then makes a small incision, places the catheter into the blood vessel, and threads it towards your heart, using X-ray guidance.
The catheter has various instruments at the tip that the cardiologist uses to perform various tests or take blood or tissue samples. She also uses the catheter to inject the contrast dye for coronary angiography.
You’ll be transferred to the recovery area after your cardiac catheterization for monitoring, then Dr. Farah sends you home. At discharge, Dr. Farah gives you specific care instructions, including activity modifications and medication needs.
She schedules a follow-up appointment at Bentley Heart to discuss the findings of your cardiac catheterization.
To schedule a cardiac catheterization at Bentley Heart, call the office in Fort Worth, Texas, or book an appointment online today.