right and left cardiac catherization

zaugg · Silver Member Joined: 08 Nov 2002 Posts: 283

My husband suffers from heart disease. He needs both left and right cardiac catheterization. I am confused why is necessary on both sides. What are the risks of the procedure?

jami · Silver Member Joined: 15 Feb 2001 Posts: 261

Cardiac catheterization has a different function in both the left and right sides. Testing the heart's right side, tricuspid and pulmonary valve function are evaluated with measuring pressures of and collecting blood samples from the right atrium, ventricle, and pulmonary artery. However, left-sided heart catheterization is performed by way of a catheter through an artery which tests the blood flow of the coronary arteries, function of the mitral and aortic valves, and left ventricle. Before left-side catheterization is performed, the anticoagulant medication heparin may be administered which helps decrease the risk of the development of thrombosis. Complications that may occur include: cardiac arrhythmia, heart attack or stroke, pericardial tamponade.

right and left cardiac catherization

LIFEFORM SOCIAL COMMUNITY NETWORK