nursing care for cardiac catheterization

cardiac catheterization definition

As per the cardiac catheterization definition, cardiac catheterisation is a medical process wherein a thin and flexible catheter is inserted through an artery or vein in the arm and passed into the heart for diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions.

what is cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterisation is a broad term for a group of medical procedures using this methodology like coronary angiography, left ventricle angiography, coronary angioplasty, balloon septostomy, electrophysiology study and catheter ablation.

cardiac catheterization diagnosis use

Cardiac Catheterization diagnosis is not recommended for people with heart problems. The process can be used for the diagnosis of the following diseases;

• Heart Attack
• Abnormal Stress Test
• Onset of unexplained heart failure
• Survival in sudden cardiac death
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Persistent chest pain
• Suspected Prinzmetal Angina

Other uses of cardiac catheterisation are;

• For measuring the intra-cardiac and intravascular blood pressures
• For taking tissue samples for biopsy
• For injecting varied fluids to measure the blood flow in the heart
• For the detection of intra-cardiac shunt
• For injecting contrast agents to study the shape of the heart vessels and chambers

types of cardiac catheter

The several different types of cardiac catheter, some of which are as follows;

• Angiographic Catheter
• Arterial Catheter
• Butterfly Catheter
• Cardiac Catheter
• Cardiac biopsy catheter
• Central venous catheter
• Column disk catheter
• Double lumen catheter
• Amplatz coronary catheter
• Atherectomy Catheter

Cardiac Catheterization Sizes

The cardiac catheterization sizes vary according to the procedure it is being used for. The typical catheter size for diagnosis is 2 to 3mm in diameter.

Risks of Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac Catheterization requires expert medical attention and can have serious complication if not properly administered. Though, severe complications are rare as expert doctors usually administer this process. Few of the risks involved with cardiac catheterisation are;

• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Damage to the artery
• Arrhythmia
• Allergic reactions
• Heart or artery tissue damage
• Kidney damage
• Infections
• Blood clots

cardiac catheter care

Proper cardiac catheter care is extremely crucial to reduce the risk of any infections or internal injuries. Some of the basic tips for cardiac catheter care are as follows;

• You can take off the dressing after a day of the procedure.
• After the removal of the dressing cover the area with an adhesive bandage.
• It is normal for the catheter insertion site to show signs of bruising for a couple of days.
• There can be slight swelling at the site of catheterisation.
• Gently clean the catheterisation site daily with soap and water.
• Always keep the site clean and dry.
• Use of creams and lotions are not advised.
• Wear loose clothes and comfortable clothes so as to not disturb the catheter.
• Soaking in bath tub or Jacuzzi or swimming is strictly prohibited for one week after the procedure.

how can we help?

We are a highly reputable and trustworthy at home healthcare providers providing a range of health services brought to you at the comfort of your home. So, if you need cardiac catheterisation care at home do give us a call and an experienced nurse would be at your doorstep soon. Cardiac catheterisation is a delicate process and hence caution and extreme care should be taken for its post care, and this is best done by a medical expert. So, look no further and contact us for an excellent cardiac catheterisation care at home.

Also Checkout:

• Chest Physiotherapy
• Advanced Cardiac Checkup
• BP machine
• Nursing for ECG
• Labtest for Cardiolipin
• Cardiac Care Equipment