Cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure used to visualize the heart chambers, valves, and vessels to diagnose and treat abnormalities. It can be done for both diagnostic and interventional purposes. The nurse's role is important in pre, intra, and post-procedure care. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the appropriate vessel and advanced under fluoroscopy while contrast dye is injected to image the heart and vessels. The patient is monitored closely for any complications like arrhythmias, bleeding, or reaction to contrast dye. After the procedure, the patient requires bed rest, monitoring of the insertion site, and observation for complications.

1. Cardiac
Catheterization

2. Introduction Cardiac Catheterization is
a procedure performed
both for diagnostic and
interventional purposes .
The role of nurse is
important while pre
catheterization , intra and
post catheterization.

3. Definition It is one of the invasive
procedure used to
visualize the heart
chambers , valves and
great vessel in order to
diagnose and treat
abnormalities of the
coronary arteries

4. Purpose
To analyze
Chamber
pressure
O2 saturation
Ventricular function
Valvular insufficiency
Stenosis
Septal defects
Congenital abnormalities
Myocardial infarction

5. Indications Both diagnostics and therapeutics
❏ Unstable angina
❏ ACS
❏ Myocardial Infarction
❏ Congenital defects
❏ Abnormal stress test
❏ Planned valve surgeries
❏ Cardiogenic shock
❏ Ventricular arrhythmias

6. Therapeutic ❏ Percutaneous coronary angiogram
❏ Percutaneous transluminal coronary
angioplasty
❏ Valvuloplasty
❏ Valvotomy

7. Contraindication
❏ Hypersensitivity to contrast medium
❏ Pregnancy
❏ Severe systemic infection
❏ Irreversible brain damage
❏ Severe heart failure
❏ Acute GI bleeding
❏ Severe hypokalemia
❏ INR more than 1.8
❏ Acute renal failure
❏ Severe Anemia

8. Types
RIGHT HEART CATHETERIZATION LEFT HEART CATHETERIZATION

9. Sites used in cardiac catheterization
Right side:
● Femoral vein
● Antecubital vein
Left heart:
● Brachial artery
● Radial artery
● Femoral artery

10. Catheters used

11. Swan Ganz catheter

12. Contrast agents
● Sodium diatrizoate
● Iohexol
● Ioversol
● Ioxaglate

13. Patient preparation
● Doctor’s order
● Informed consent
● Lab test CBC,ESR,Renal function, PT,INR, ECHO,X ray, Infectious markers and serology
tests
● Check for allergy to iodine and seafoods
● Skin preparation
● IV cannulation
● Placement of ECG electrodes
● Check pedal pulse and mark it .( Dorsalis pedis and Posterior tibial)
● Monitor hemodynamic status
● Keep NPO for 6 to 8 Hrs

14. ● If creatinine above 1.5 IV fluid should be stated 6 hrs prior to angiogram
● ECG should be taken(12 lead ECG)
● Due per medications should be administered as per order( Aspirin, Clopidgrel,
Pantoprazole, Diazepam
● Empty the bladder before sending patient to cath lab
● Instruct the patient regarding procedure time and experience of hot flush during injection of
dye
● Sometime patient may have nausea and headache
● Assist the patient go wear OT dress
● Check for any implants ,dentures etc
● Handover the valuables to appropriate person
● Check and document height and weight to calculate the dose of dye or contrast media

15. Procedure ● As per the site / type of catheterization, a
fluoroscopic catheter is inserted into the
appropriate vessel
● Advancement of catheter is visualized in X Ray
fluoroscopic image
● The images are recorded for evidence
● Once the cathternisnin position measured
amount of contrast media is injected
● Nurse during this time need to monitor the
hemodynamic status
● Advanced cardiac life support drugs and
supplies are kept ready

16. Procedure (contn..) ● Patient should be monitored for any cardiac
arrhythmias
● The size of the chambers, pressures are checked
as per the need
● To visualize coronary arteries the catheter is
placed in ascending aorta and the contrast is
injected into coronary arteries
● If therapeutic is indicated ,it is done accordingly
● Patient’s pedal pulse is checked frequently during
the procedure for signs of poor perfusion of the
extremity
● Once the procedure is done the catheters are
removed and pressure dressing is applied
● Patient shifted to recovery room for observation

17. Post procedure care
● Bedrest for 6 hours with affected extremity
● Observe the catheter site for bleeding or hematoma
● Record 12 lead ECG and correlate the findings
● Check peripheral pulses in the affected extremity every 15 mins for 1 hour and 30 mins for next hour
and every hour
● Monitor hemodynamic status continuously
● Watch for signs of complications
● Advice the patient to keep the affected leg straight for 4 to 6 hours
● Head can be elevated to 30 Degree
● Started feeding and advice to drink more fluids
● Repeat LABS if needed

18. Complications ● Arrhythmias
● Thrombosis
● Pericardial tamponade
● Embolism
● Stroke
● Myocardial Infarction
● Bleeding/Hematoma
● Contrast reaction