Right Heart Catheterization A small plastic tube called a "catheter" is inserted into a vein in your neck or leg. The doctor can measure blood pressures and blood flow in the right side of your heart. Measuring the pressures in the heart can help determine whether the pumping function is adequate and whether there are valve or other problems with the heart's functioning. [In patients with very weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) a small piece of tissue called a "biopsy" may be taken from the heart and examined to help diagnose your heart problem.]
Coronary Angiography X-ray pictures are taken of dye (contrast) injected into your arteries during a heart catheterization in order to identify any blockages. A treatment plan is developed with your doctor if blockages are seen. Treatments can include medications, angioplasty, or bypass surgery.
Pressure Wire: A fine (less than 0.02” diameter) wire is passed from either the groin or wrist into the coronary arteries on the surface of the heart. The wire has a microscopic pressure sensor that allows the doctors to measure small changes in pressure across blockages in the coronary arteries in order to assess whether the blockage is significant and would benefit from being treated with a stent or other procedure.
Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) A small plastic tube (catheter) with an ultrasound probe at its tip is positioned from the groin or wrist into the coronary arteries lying on the surface of the heart. The ultrasound tip allows the doctor to make detailed pictures of the coronary artery from the inside of the blood vessel. This test allows the doctor to see the inside surface of the artery, including blockages or any stent that may have been implanted. Intravascular ultrasound is also used to view the inside of other vessels in the body such the carotid arteries, the aorta and even veins leading back to the heart.
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