Cardiac catheterization in pediatrics

Verified by Dr. Bhushan Chavan, Consultant Pediatric Cardiology, Apollo Children’s Navi Mumbai.

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure that uses thin, flexible tubes called catheters to diagnose and treat heart conditions in children. The catheters are inserted into a blood vessel in the groin, leg, or arm and guided to the heart using fluoroscopy, a type of real-time X-ray imaging.

Uses of cardiac catheterization in pediatrics

• Diagnose and repair congenital heart defects (heart defects present at birth)
• Measure pressures within the heart
• Treat heart conditions, such as closure of hole in the heart, narrowing of the heart valves or blood vessels
• Implant devices, such as pacemakers or defibrillators in children

How is cardiac catheterization performed?

The procedure is typically performed under sedation or general anesthesia. The catheters are inserted into the blood vessel and guided to the heart using fluoroscopy. Once in place, the catheters can be used to inject contrast dye into the heart chambers and blood vessels. This allows the doctor to see the heart’s structure and function in detail.

Cardiac catheterization is a safe and effective procedure that is used to diagnose and treat a wide range of heart conditions in children. The procedure is typically well-tolerated by children, and the risks are low in good, experienced hands.

If you have concerns about your child’s heart health, talk to our expert, Dr. Bhushan Chavan, Consultant Pediatric Cardiology, Apollo Children’s Navi Mumbai.

Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.