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Cardiac Cath 3/6 |  |
 Cardiac
Cath Procedure: After discussing the risk-benefit ratio of the
procedure and obtaining signed informed consent, the patient is
brought to the cardiac or heart catheterization laboratory and placed
on the table. Mild conscious sedation is commonly used and varies
according to the preference of the cardiologist. Intravenous sedation
may also be used intermittently during the case, as needed. Oxygen
saturation is constantly monitored. The x-ray tube is attached
to one end (on top) and the image intensifier (II)/camera assembly
(bbbbelow) is attached to the other end of a mobile arm that can
be rotated left and right plus cranially and caudally (towards and
away from the patient's head). This ability allows the patient's
coronary angiograms to be reviewed from various angles.The vascular access site (groin in the majority of cases) is cleansed with an antibacterial solution and covered with surgical drapes. Before proceeding any further, many cardiologists who use the femoral artery approach will confirm bony landmarks before accessing the artery. This is accomplished by placing a needle or hemostat on top of the groin at the anticipated puncture site and fluroscopically evaluating the position of the tip as it relates to the femoral head. |
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| The inguinal ligament usually
crosses the superior edge of the femoral head. In the majority of
cases, the common femoral artery usually bifurcates into the profunda
and superficial branches below the mid portion of the femoral head.
The target entry site of the needle is the superior half of the
femoral head and is achieved by controlling the entrance point,
the insertion angle of the needle, and taking into account the anticipated
depth of the artery. Low puncture sites may result in entering one of the bifurcation branches of the common femoral artery. In such cases, compression, post removal of the sheath is more difficult. Also, the incidence of a pseudoanurysm and femoral artery thrombosis is slightly increased. Puncture at the arterial bifurcation point may make it more difficult to secure hemostasis with compression or a sealing device, In some cases surgical repair may be needed. A high puncture should be avoided, if possible, because it then becomes difficult to compress the artery against a bony structure and the risk of a retroperitoneal hematoma is increased. |
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Cardiac Cath 3/6 | |
