Introduction to cardiac catheterization

This chapter focuses on tailoring treatment to individual patients, taking into account specific risk factors and comorbidities, and appropriate use of devices. Cardiac catheterization is one of the most frequently performed procedures in the United States. Diagnostic cardiac catheterization is appropriate in several circumstances. First, it is indicated to confirm or to exclude the presence of a condition already suspected from the history, physical examination, and/or noninvasive evaluation. Therapeutic catheterization is appropriate in several circumstances. Percutaneous coronary revascularization may be indicated in the patient with symptomatic atherosclerotic coronary artery disease whose coronary anatomy is suitable for the procedure. Cardiac catheterization procedures were originally only performed on inpatients. Outpatient catheterization is widely accepted because of its excellent safety record when performed in properly selected patients. Some freestanding catheterization laboratories are privately owned by physicians.