Right heart ventriculography

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Heart, front view

Heart, section through the middle

Right heart ventriculography is a study of the right chambers (atrium and ventricle) of the heart. This test obtains measurements of pressure, oxygen, and cardiac output through a catheter (thin flexible tube).

Occasionally, the right chambers also need to be seen. This can be done by injecting contrast material through the catheter into the right side of the heart and taking a rapid succession of x-rays to capture images of blood flow.

Angiography - right heart

A mild sedative will be given 30 minutes before the procedure. A cardiologist will insert a catheter into a vein in your neck or groin after cleansing the site and numbing the area with a local anesthetic.

When the catheter is in place, contrast material ("dye") is injected to allow the size and shape of the heart's chambers to be seen on x-ray.

The procedure will last one to several hours.

You will not be allowed to eat or drink for 6 - 8 hours before the test. The procedure takes place in the hospital. Generally, you will be admitted the morning of the procedure, but in some cases, you may need to be admitted the night before.

A health care provider will explain the procedure and its risks. You must sign a consent form.

A vein in your neck or groin will be used for threading the catheter into your heart. You will be given a local anesthesia where the catheter is inserted, and the only sensation should be one of pressure at the site.

Right-heart angiography is performed to detect the cause of abnormal blood flow through the right side of the heart.

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.