Left heart catheterization

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Cardiac catheterization

Left heart catheterization

You will be given local anesthesia before the catheter is inserted, and so the only sensation you will feel is pressure at the site. You may experience some discomfort due to lying still for a prolonged period of time.

The procedure is performed to evaluate cardiac valve disease, heart function and blood supply, congenital heart anomalies, and to determine the need for heart surgery. The procedure may also be done to repair certain types of heart defects, open a stenotic heart valve, or open obstructed arteries or bypass grafts.

Review Date: 11/06/2006
Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.