Cardiac Catheterization Specialist

Cardiovascular Institute, P.A.

Cardiovascular Doctor located in Tomball, TX & Houston, TX

When you need to undergo a procedure like balloon angioplasty to improve the flow of blood in your heart, cardiac catheterization offers a nonsurgical solution. Experienced cardiovascular physician Daljit Muttiana, MD, FACC, FSCAI, of Cardiovascular Institute, P.A., in Tomball, Texas, is an expert at performing cardiac catheterization procedures. To benefit from his expertise, call Cardiovascular Institute, P.A., today or book an appointment online.

Cardiac Catheterization Q & A

What is cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive way to assess and treat heart problems.

The procedure involves using a catheter — a thin, flexible tube that goes along a large artery and into your heart. The catheter provides access to your heart without the need for surgery.

Why might I need cardiac catheterization?

Dr. Muttiana uses cardiac catheterization for several purposes, including:

Coronary angiography

Coronary angiography or coronary arteriography involves a contrast dye being injected through the catheter. The dye shows up on X-rays and can help with the diagnosis of heart problems.

Balloon angioplasty

Angioplasty is a way of widening narrowed coronary arteries by flattening plaque against the artery walls with a special balloon. Dr. Muttiana can fit a small mesh tube (coronary stent) during the angioplasty procedure to help keep your artery open.

Cardiac catheterization enables Dr. Muttiana to look for any defects in your heart's chambers and valves, check the pressure within the four chambers, and see how well they're contracting.

He can also take blood samples to measure oxygen levels in your heart or perform a biopsy — taking a tiny piece of tissue from your heart for laboratory examination.

What happens during a cardiac catheterization procedure?

The first step in the cardiac catheterization procedure is having an intravenous (IV) line put in your arm, through which you receive a sedative. The sedative ensures you feel relaxed and sleepy but doesn't put you completely under like a general anesthetic.

Next, you get an injection of local anesthetic. The most likely place is your groin, where Dr. Muttiana can more easily access the large artery. Once the area is numb, he inserts a sheath (a small tube like a straw) into a small incision in the blood vessel, followed by the catheter.

A screen in the treatment room shows the route the catheter is taking. You might be aware of a sensation of pressure, but the catheterization shouldn't cause any pain.

When it's in position, Dr. Muttiana uses specialized instruments that fit into the catheter to perform the necessary tests and procedures. When everything is complete, he takes out the catheter and sheath.

Find out more about the cardiac catheterization procedure by calling Cardiovascular Institute, P.A., or book an appointment online today.

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