Cardiac Catheterization Directory
A heart cath, or cardiac catheterization, is a heart test used to diagnose heart disease and provide treatment. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and travels up to your heart. Dye can be injected so that abnormalities can be seen with an X-ray machine. During a heart catheterization, therapeutic interventions such as angioplasty and stenting may be done as well. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how a heart cath is done, benefits and risks, and much more.
Medical Reference
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What Are Central Venous Catheters?
You might get a central venous catheter if you need long-term treatment for issues like infections, cancer, or heart and kidney problems. Learn about the types of catheters, when you need them, and what it’s like to get one put in.
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What Is Laparoscopic Surgery?
Learn more about laparoscopic surgery, in which the surgeon inserts a tiny camera into your body and operates it without having to put in their hands.
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Cardiac Catheterization
WebMD explains how a cardiac catheterization works and how it can help determine whether you have heart disease.
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Atrial Fibrillation: No-Surgery Catheter Ablation
WebMD explains what happens before, during, and after catheter ablation, a nonsurgical procedure that is used to treat atrial fibrillation.