The passage of a catheter (a thin flexible tube) into the right or left side of the heart to obtain diagnostic information about the heart or its vessels, or to provide therapeutic interventions in certain types of heart conditions. Cardiac catheterization can determine pressure and blood flow in the heart's chambers, collect blood samples from the heart, and examine the arteries of the heart by X-ray (fluoroscopy). Fluoroscopy provides immediate ("real time") visualization of the X-ray images on a screen as well as a permanent record of the procedure.

Alternative Names

Catheterization - cardiac; Heart catheterization