Transkateterne

Transkateterne refers to medical procedures that involve the insertion of a catheter through a blood vessel or other natural opening into the body, without the need for major surgery. This minimally invasive approach utilizes specialized catheters, which are thin, flexible tubes, to access and treat various conditions within the cardiovascular system and other internal organs.

The primary advantage of transkateterne procedures is their reduced invasiveness compared to traditional open surgery. This typically results in shorter recovery times, less pain, and a lower risk of complications for patients. Diagnostic procedures like angiography, where contrast dye is injected through a catheter to visualize blood vessels, are a common application. Therapeutic interventions include angioplasty, where a balloon is used to widen narrowed arteries, and stenting, where a small mesh tube is deployed to keep the artery open.

Transkateterne techniques are also employed in treating structural heart diseases, such as aortic valve stenosis (transcatheter aortic valve implantation - TAVI) and mitral valve regurgitation. Beyond cardiology, these methods are used in other specialties for procedures like embolization to block abnormal blood vessels or deliver medication, and biopsies to obtain tissue samples. The development of advanced imaging guidance and sophisticated catheter designs continues to expand the scope and success rates of transkateterne interventions.