A catheterization is a procedure used to examine the condition of arteries in a specific organ of the body, for example, the arteries of the heart.
To visualize vessels, an iodinated contrast dye is injected directly into the artery, which is reached from the peripheral access sites (a.k.a. thegroin, femoral access, traditionally preferred; the wrist, radial access; the arm above the elbow, humeral access). First, a long, thin, flexible tube (introducer) is inserted into a blood vessel. This introducer sheath has a valve that allows insertion of elements like catheters but prevents bleeding
With the sheath in place, catheters (flexible hollow 2mm tubes) are introduced and advanced up to the origin of the artery to be examined. At this point, an iodinated contrast medium is injected, which occasionally can affect the kidneys. Fortunately, technology has made remarkable progress and now there are contrast media with bare minimum side effects.
Once the dye is injected, an external camera takes radioscopic images from the arteries. An artery that does not appear completely bright reveals the presence of a plaque that narrows the vessel lumen, and may need angioplasty (see angioplasty).
The procedure is performed in a sterile environment (a Cath Lab Suite). Once completed, the sheath is removed, firm pressure is applied to the access site (groin, wrist or arm) and a compressive bandage is left for 24 hours. It is vital that the patient refrain from moving the area involved (the heap, if the groin was used, the wrist if access was radial, and the elbow if it was humeral or brachial).
After a few hours of post-procedure observation, the patient can be discharged. If hospitalized, recovery can be monitored by the department the patient was referred from.
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