Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cardiac Cath?

Cardiac Cath/ Catheterisation is a medical procedure performed to diagnose, remove the blockages in the blood vessels or widen the narrowed blood vessels. The procedure helps in visualizing, diagnosing, early detecting the diseases affecting the blood vessels, heart and restores the normal blood flow through the arteries.

What are the advantages of Cardiac Cath?

Few of the advantages of Cardiac Catheterisation are:

1. Minimally invasive procedure 
2. Low blood loss
3. Widens the narrowed blood vessels or arteries by removing the plaque that is formed in the blood vessels
4. Restore the normal blood flow to the heart muscle
5. Early detection and decreased risk of recurrence of heart attack

What are the indications of Cardiac Cath?

Cardiac Cath is indicated in the following conditions:

1. Uncontrolled angina 
2. Suspected coronary artery disease
3. Heart failure 
4. Valvular heart disease
5. Recurring chest pain 

What are the steps involved in Cardiac Cath/ Catheterization?

Steps involved in Cardica Catheterisation are:

1. The patient may or may not be sedated and a catheter or a small tube is inserted into the large artery usually through the groin region.
2. The catheter is slowly directed through the artery until the tip reaches the vessel that needed to be examined.
3. Depending on the medical procedure, either a contrast dye will be injected into the blood vessel or a stent will be placed in the blood vessel through the catheter to widen the artery. 
4. Once the necessary blood vessels are examined or widened. The catheter will be removed and the catheter insertion site will be dressed with sterile bandages.

Who are the best surgeons/doctors to perform Cardiac Cath?

A Certified and Trained Cardiac Surgeon or a Vascular Surgeon who is well experienced in performing Cardiac Catheterization can perform this procedure.

What is the cost of Cardiac Cath?

Cost of Cardiac Cath depends on factors such as:

1. Admission charges
2. Consultation fee
3. Patient age
4. Type of hospital

Is Cardiac Cath a major surgery or minor surgery?

Cardiac Cath can be either major or minor procedure depending on the patient's medical condition and the surgical procedure performed.

What are the risks and complications associated with Cardiac Cath?

Risks and complications associated with Cardiac Cath are:

1. Allergic reactions to the contrast dye
2. Infection and bleeding at the catheter insertion site
3. Swelling
4. Cardiac arrest
5. Stroke 
6. Damage to the blood vessel lining

How long does it take to complete Cardiac Cath?

Cardiac Catheterization may take around 2-3 hours to complete.

What is the recovery time for Cardiac Cath?

Individuals who undergo Cardiac Cath may take 2-3 weeks to recover completely.

What is the success rate of Cardiac Cath?

The success rate of Cardiac Cath depends on the following factors: 

1. Patient age and medical condition
2. Experience of the surgeon
3. Type of procedure performed

However, the success rate of Cardiac Cath maybe 90%

Is Cardiac Cath  Permanent?

Depending on whether the Cardiac Catheterization is performed for diagnosis or surgical correction, Cardiac Catheterization may or may not be a permanent procedure.

What are the long-term results of Cardiac Cath?

Few of the long term results of Cardiac Catheterisation are:

1. Early detection and prevention of cardiac diseases
2. Widening and placement of stents in narrowed blood vessels 
3. Visualization of cardiac blood vessels

Can Cardiac Cath be detected in the future?

Cardiac Catheterization/ Cardiac Cath may or may not be detected in the future as the inserted catheter and sheath will be removed after performing the necessary diagnostic or procedural processes.

What are the options if Cardiac Cath fails?

Depending on the diagnosis and the medical condition of the patient, a suitable revision procedure or an alternative treatment will be suggested by the doctor upon the failure of the Cardiac Cath (Catheterization) procedure.