Tests and Procedures

Cardiac Catheterization

Why is Cardiac Catheterization necessary?

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive test that provides additional information regarding your congenital heart defect. A congenital heart defect is an abnormality of the heart present since birth. Because of the abnormality, the structure and function of the heart is affected. Catheterization provides an opportunity to assess the functioning and the effects the defect have upon the cardiac system. It helps the cardiology team determine future plans for care. Determination for the need of surgery may be based on the findings obtained during the test.

A cardiac catheterization also provides an opportunity for non-surgical procedures to be done called catheter interventions. These catheter interventions provide a means to help delay or avoid the need for surgery. They can also help enhance previous surgical interventions performed in the past.

Your cardiologist will review the specific reasons for performing a catheterization based on the current medical condition.

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