Heart catheterization

Cardiac catheterization, once solely a diagnostic tool, can effectively treat some forms of congenital heart disease including atrial septal defects, coarctation of the aorta, and pulmonary valve stenosis. These defects can now be treated with this minimally invasive procedure under a local anesthetic. Cardiac catheterization eliminates the need to open up the chest, dramatically shortening recovery times for patients.

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Catheterization techniques can be corrective or palliative. Corrective procedures include using a catheter to close patent ductus arteriosus, or patch a septal defect. Palliative procedures include using balloon dilation to widen a constricted area that may be associated with valve stenosis or regurgitation, or coarctation of the aorta. More information on heart catheterization can be found under Heart Catheterization in the Testing section.