Cardiac catheterization in Tulsa, OK
At the Oklahoma Heart Institute, our expert physicians provide comprehensive services to diagnose and treat various cardiovascular conditions. One key diagnostic procedure we offer in our state-of-the-art cath lab is cardiac catheterization. This procedure involves the insertion of a thin tube (catheter) into an artery in the heart, allowing doctors to assess how well your heart pumps blood and identify any life-threatening build-ups of plaque or fat that may require further medical care. With years of experience performing cardiac catheterization in our advanced catheterization lab, our physicians are dedicated to meeting your heart health needs with compassion and expertise.
What is cardiac catheterization
The cardiac catheterization procedure is a common yet potentially life-saving procedure that is performed to diagnose and treat blocked arteries. A narrow tube called a catheter is inserted into the artery through a vein in the leg and threaded upwards to the heart. Using a special x-ray camera called a fluoroscope and a radiopaque dye, which shows how blood passes through the heart and surrounding vessels, doctors can see fat and calcium deposits (plaque) that may be blocking circulation.
While cardiac catheterization is helpful in determining whether a person needs bypass surgery, doctors can sometimes clear the blockage during the procedure using balloon angioplasty or stenting.
If you or a loved one requires cardiac catheterization, look no further than the experts at the Oklahoma Heart Institute. Our exceptional physicians and cardiac surgeons are specially trained to deliver these procedures with expertise and compassion.