Performance of cardiac catherization

Cardiac catherization is a special examination that helps to get an image of the coronary vessels by using of thin plastic tubes and of a contrast media. During the examination anaesthesia is not needed. If the patient is overexcited a light sedative of short-term effect can be used. The examination lasts for about 30 min.

Blood vessels in the groin are most often used as an access way to your heart. The patient is given a local anaesthetic so that blood vessels can be punctured without pain. In the case of narrowed leg vessels, wrist or elbow vessels can be also used as an access. If the catheter is inserted through the groin the patient will be usually asked to lie flat for several hours after the examination.