What is a cardiac catheterization?
Dr. Quang Luong, a made-up host, answers this for adults on a sample page for cath labs.
Dr. Quang Luong Interventional cardiologist
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Transcript
Hello, my name is Dr. Luong. I'm an interventional cardiologist.
What is a cardiac catheterization?
A cardiac catheterization, or heart cath, is a test that looks at the heart and its arteries. A doctor guides a thin tube called a catheter from the wrist or groin up to the heart.
Dye and x-rays show how blood flows through the arteries. If one is narrowed, the doctor may widen it with a tiny balloon, often adding a mesh tube called a stent. People are usually awake, with medicine to relax and a numbed entry spot.
Call the office if you have questions about your visit or your care. This is general information, not personal instructions. Your heart care team can explain what applies to you.
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