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. Sometimes a small piece of tissue called a "biopsy' is taken from the heart and examined to help diagnose your heart problem.
Left Heart Catheterization A small plastic tube called a "catheter" is inserted into an artery in your groin or wrist. Your doctor may want to pictures of your heart in which case angiography is performed (see below).
Coronary Angiography X-ray pictures are taken of dye injected into your arteries during a heart catheterization in order to evaluate the heart structure. A treatment plan is developed with your doctor if any problems are identified.
Intra-Cardiac Echocardiogram An ultrasound probe introduced into the heart which can provide a three-dimensional image of the heart and valves.
Send Feedback to: 
