Why are heart catheterizations necessary?

Just like any other organ in the body, it is necessary for the heart to have a rich blood supply. Blood helps all organs and tissues work and function properly. When blood flow is limited to the heart, the heart's function is limited.

There are three intervention options available for opening coronary vessels.

• Angioplasty — A small tube (catheter) that contains an inflatable balloon is inserted through the femoral artery in your leg and guided to the heart. The balloon is precisely placed at the position of the blockage and inflated to open the blocked artery. Sometimes more than one inflation is necessary to open the narrowed vessel.  Click here to learn more about angioplasty. 
  
  
• Stent — Made of stainless steel wires or tubes, a stent closely resembles a ballpoint pen spring. A special catheter is used that consists of the stent mounted on a balloon. Similar to an angioplasty, the catheter is inserted through the femoral artery in the leg and guided to the heart. The balloon is precisely placed at the position of the obstruction and inflated to open the blocked artery. When the balloon is inflated, the stent is released. It serves as a bridge to maintain the artery opening. This is called deployment of the stent.  Click here to learn more about coronary stent. 
  
  
• Atherectomy — Special devices are necessary when there is a calcified (hardened) area in the vessel. During an atherectomy, a device is used to dig a hole through the blockage and extract the material from the vessel. This is similar to the roto-rooter used to clear blocked pipes in your house.
   

Most patients do not have any discomfort from these intervention procedures, except during the initial insertion into the vessel at the beginning of the process. If you have any anxiety or pain, let the staff know so they can help.

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