Sydänkatetrointi

Sydänkatetrointi, also known as cardiac catheterization, is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat a variety of heart conditions. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or arm, and guiding it up to the heart. Once the catheter is in place, a contrast dye is injected, which can be seen on X-ray images. This allows doctors to visualize the coronary arteries and heart chambers, identifying blockages, narrowing, or other abnormalities.

The procedure can be used for diagnostic purposes, such as determining the extent of coronary artery disease, assessing heart valve function, or measuring pressures within the heart. It can also be therapeutic. For example, angioplasty and stenting can be performed during a cardiac catheterization to open up blocked arteries. In some cases, balloon valves can be dilated, or septal defects repaired using this technique.

Sydänkatetrointi is generally considered safe, but like any medical procedure, it carries some risks, including bleeding, infection, or damage to blood vessels. The recovery time varies depending on the individual and the specific procedures performed. Patients are typically monitored for a period after the procedure before being discharged. This diagnostic and interventional tool plays a crucial role in modern cardiology.