Overview:
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure that offers information about the heart's health. Indications for pediatric cardiac catheterization have grown dramatically over the past three decades. A medical professional will insert a flexible tube through a blood vessel into the heart to perform cardiac catheterization. Most of the time, it is inserted in the groin area. The medical professional may undertake further operations depending on the cardiac catheterization results.
What Is Cardiac Catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic or therapeutic technique in which a cardiologist inserts catheters into veins and arteries to diagnose or treat heart disease. The doctor guides catheters to the correct locations using X-ray and ultrasound images.
When Is Cardiac Catheterization Used?
Cardiac catheterization is commonly used to treat congenital heart abnormalities in neonates and small children for whom open-heart surgery may be unsafe. It can even be done on newborns right after birth. Cardiac catheterization may be conducted for the following reasons:
-
In order to perform valvuloplasties or angioplasties by inflating balloons in obstructed valves or vessels to open the atrial septum to treat certain types of congenital heart defects that cause an infant to become cyanotic (blue skin, lips, and nail beds due to an insufficient supply of oxygen in the blood).
-
It is used to place devices that close small holes inside the heart (such as with atrial septal defect or ventricular septal defect).
-
In order to perform an electrophysiologic study (EPS) or radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) procedure, which pinpoints the location of an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) origin within the heart.
-
In order to purposefully interrupt blood flow in a blood vessel.
-
Place stents in narrow blood vessels to keep them open.
How to Prepare for a Cardiac Catheterization?
-
Before the procedure, a person should know what to expect, how to prepare, and talk to their doctor regarding and get their doubts clarified.
-
Generally, the child may not be permitted to eat or drink six to eight hours prior to the procedure.
-
The parents should also discuss their child's prescriptions with the doctor, including any supplements and over-the-counter drugs. The specialist may ask to stop certain medications to avoid further complications.
-
During this discussion, it is very important to notify if the child has allergies and other medical conditions, such as kidney problems or a history of bleeding disorders.
How Is Cardiac Catheterization Done?
Clinicians perform cardiac catheterizations in an operating room known as a catheterization lab. During cardiac catheterization, the following procedures are carried out:
-
The child receives a sedative through an intravenous line in order to sleep through the procedure without feeling any pain.
-
Electrodes, small sticky patch-like things, adhered to the child's chest and connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor. The heartbeat is monitored throughout the procedure.
-
The insertion area of the catheter (usually the groin area) is disinfected.
-
Throughout the procedure, the cardiologist utilizes fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray) to visualize the heart and blood arteries.
-
The cardiologist inserts a sheath through the skin and into a blood vessel. This sheath facilitates the catheter's entry into the blood artery. The catheter is moved carefully through the sheath, through the blood vessel, and then into the heart.
-
Then the physician examines the heart and blood vessel pressures and oxygen levels.
-
A contrast dye is injected to enhance the visibility of the heart's arteries, valves, and chambers and to identify the blocks.
-
After injecting the dye, the procedure is performed.
-
Once the cardiologist is done with the procedure, the catheter, and the sheath are removed, and the site is bandaged carefully.
Aftercare and Recovery:
Following the procedure, medical personnel will observe the patient in a recovery room for a few hours. To ensure a speedy recovery, the patient must adhere to all instructions provided by the medical professional, both in the hospital and at home after the treatment. Parents can join the child in the recovery area after the procedure. The doctor will educate about the following:
-
About the pain medicines that should be used following the procedure.
-
When the child can eat and drink.
-
About the continuation of other medicines, if there are any, and have been stopped before this procedure.
-
When to remove the bandage.
-
When to attend school and to carry on with regular activities.
-
Dietary instructions.
Care for the Catheter Site:
Bruising may persist for two weeks. Hematomas can last up to six weeks if they are present beneath the skin.
-
After 24 hours, remove the dressing. Maintain the puncture site clean and dry. Remove the dressing if it becomes soiled or damp, and wash the affected area gently with soap and water. Allow the wound to dry, then apply a second sticky strip bandage. Change it every time it becomes essential for 24 hours. The area is expected to appear slightly bruised. The region may be sensitive for a few days, but it should not be red or painful.
-
After the procedure, the child may experience nausea and vomiting for a few hours. If this is the case, only clear fluids should be administered until the symptoms diminish. Start with clear drinks; if they are well tolerated, gradually introduce normal food.
-
Clean the area carefully with water and mild soap.
-
No pools, hot tubs, or tub baths for three days.
-
The child can be given a shower or sponge bath 24 hours following the procedure.
Are There Any Risks From Cardiac Catheterization?
In general, cardiac catheterizations are safe procedures. It is common for the catheter insertion site to be bruised, uncomfortable, or somewhat swollen for a few days after the procedure. More significant complications are infrequent, but there is a chance that they can occur, and they can be:
-
Hemorrhage (bleeding).
-
Allergic reaction to the medications or contrast dye used in the procedure.
-
Stroke.
-
Death.
When to Seek Medical Help?
If a child exhibits any of the symptoms following cardiac catheterization, the parent or guardian is advised to seek medical attention immediately:
-
Increased discomfort, swelling, bleeding, or other discharge, with shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
-
Chest discomfort.
-
Nausea.
-
Vomiting.
-
Excessive sweating.
-
Hypothermia in the case of infants (body getting cooled down).
-
Fever and chills.
Conclusion:
The cardiologist performs the catheterization procedure, which is a minor procedure. Typically, this procedure does not result in significant problems. Depending on the child's health, the recovery time may vary. Do not hesitate to inquire about the procedure at any point. If the child seems ill after receiving the treatment, immediately seek medical help.
