Cardiac catheterisation factsheet
Introduction
A cardiac catheterisation, often called a “cath”, is a procedure to get information about your child’s:
- heart muscle
- heart valves
- major blood vessels
Doctors do the procedure in a Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory, often called “cath lab”. A room similar to an operating theatre that uses X-rays. Doctors do the procedure under general anaesthetic. During the procedure the doctor gently passes thin tubes called catheters into blood vessels. Usually from the top of the leg (groin), neck or arm. Using X-ray, doctors guide the catheters into the heart and major blood vessels.
Doctors do cardiac catheterisation for two main reasons:
1. Diagnostic
This test looks at the heart and blood vessels to see how they are working.
- it helps measure the blood pressure in the heart chambers and major blood vessels
- it measures oxygen levels in the heart and blood vessels
- doctors inject a special dye (contrast) through the catheters so they can use X-rays to see the heart more clearly
- it helps doctors take moving X-ray pictures to see the heart’s shape and structure clearly
- helps doctors plan the best treatment or surgery
2. Interventional
This is like “keyhole” surgery to treat the heart. During surgery doctors may:
- stretch a blocked blood vessel or valve with specialised balloon catheters
- close a hole in the heart
- place plugs or coils in unwanted blood vessels
- put stents (small metal tubes) in blocked blood vessels to keep them open
- sometimes even replace a heart valve using a stent with a valve inside
Before the procedure
The hospital will call you to tell you:
- what time to arrive
- when your child must stop eating and drinking
- how long your child may need to stay in hospital
Your child may need blood tests or scans before the procedure. Some children are given a sedative (sleepy medicine) about 30 minutes before the procedure.
During the procedure
Before the procedure begins, doctors give your child a general anaesthetic, so they will be asleep and feel no pain. During the procedure, the doctor will:
the doctor puts the catheter in through a vein in the groin, arm, or neck
doctors use an X-ray to guide the catheter to the heart
the doctor takes measurements or does the test or treatment
the procedure usually takes 1.5-2 hours
After the procedure
The doctor will talk to you about how it went. Nurses will watch your child while they wake up.
Nurses will check:
- temperature
- blood pressure
- breathing
- heart rate
- wound
- foot pulse
Your child may feel sleepy or restless for a few hours. Older children may feel sick or vomit. The wound will have a small dressing, which is removed the next day. The results of the procedure might take a few days or weeks to be ready.
Going home:
some children go home the same day, while others stay the night
your doctor will let you know when your child can go home
the doctor will let you know if your child needs to take any medication
your doctor will make a follow-up appointment before you go home
Management
Risks and complications
Cardiac catheterisation is usually very safe, but like any procedure, there can be risks. Your child’s doctor will explain these risks and answer any questions you have. The benefits of finding and treating heart problems almost always outweigh the possible risks.
Caring for your child at home
- remove the dressing after 24 hours
- avoid soaking in water (baths or swimming) for 72 hours to allow the access site to heal
- quick showers are okay
- if your child has stitches, your doctor can remove them in 3-5 day
- your child can go back to school or daycare after 2 days
- no rough play or sports for one week
