Left and right cardiac catheterisation are key diagnostic procedures in cardiology, each serving unique purposes and providing vital information about the heart's function and structure.
Right Cardiac Catheterisation primarily evaluates the right side of the heart, which includes the right atrium, right ventricle, pulmonary artery, and pulmonary circulation. This procedure is crucial for diagnosing conditions like pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart disease, and right-sided heart failure. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a vein (usually in the neck, arm, or groin) and guided into the right side of the heart. By measuring pressures and oxygen levels in different parts of the right heart and lungs, physicians can assess how well the right side of the heart is pumping and how the lungs are functioning. For instance, elevated pressures in the pulmonary artery can indicate pulmonary hypertension.
Left Cardiac Catheterisation on the other hand, focuses on the left side of the heart, which includes the left atrium, left ventricle, and the coronary arteries. This procedure is essential for diagnosing and treating coronary artery disease. A catheter is inserted through an artery (usually in the wrist or groin) and advanced into the left side of the heart. Contrast dye is injected through the catheter to visualize the coronary arteries on an X-ray, identifying any blockages or narrowing. This method also allows measurement of pressures within the left heart and can assess the heart’s pumping function. Additionally, left cardiac catheterization can be used to perform interventions like angioplasty or stent placement to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.
• Both procedures are minimally invasive and usually performed under local anesthesia.
• They provide invaluable insights into heart health, aiding in accurate diagnosis and guiding treatment strategies for various heart conditions.
• However, like any medical procedure, they carry minor risks such as bleeding, infection, or, in rare cases, more serious complications like heart attack or stroke.
• The choice of procedure is based on the specific heart condition being investigated.