Cardiac catheterisation is an investigative surgical procedure, that involves a thin, flexible tube (the catheter) being inserted into a blood vessel in the groin and fed up into the heart. This provides detailed information about the heart and its blood vessels, including:
- structure of the heart and vessels
- pressure and narrowing in the chamber and blood vessels
- amount of oxygen in the chambers and vessels
- amount of blood pumped in the body
- the rhythm of the heartbeat.
Cardiac catheterisation is used to help diagnose heart conditions, help plan future treatments and carry out certain procedures.
Some cardiac conditions can be corrected or by cardiac catheterisation. For example:
- Atrial septal defect (ASD) can be closed with a device
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDAs) can be closed with a coil or device
- Narrow valves and blood vessels can be stretched to improve blood flow (this is called balloon dilatation).
What to expect
During the procedure
Cardiac catheterisation is performed under a general anaesthetic.
A doctor will insert the catheter (a long, thin, flexible tube) into a blood vessel, usually in your child’s groin or arm.
Using X-ray images as a guide, the tip of the catheter is passed up to and into the coronary arteries and heart.
During the procedures, doctors can measure internal pressures, take blood samples taken, and inject X-ray dye to show the pattern of blood flow.
At the end of the procedure the catheter is removed, steristrips (thin adhesive strips) are applied to close the wound and a clear dressing is applied to the area.
After the procedure
Your child may be tired after the procedure because of the general anaesthetic. They will be monitored frequently until awake, alert and observations are satisfactory.
They may have an intravenous (or IV) cannula, usually in the hand or arm, to receive fluids, medication, or antibiotics.
Your child must rest in bed for 4 to 6 hours after the procedure. Once fully awake they can resume their normal diet.
Most children will be discharged the day of, or the morning after, the procedure. They must be awake, alert and mobile, and must have passed urine, tolerated food and fluids, and their observations must be satisfactory.
If your child has had an interventional catheterisation (when a condition is repaired or corrected during the procedure), they will have a chest X-ray and echocardiogram the morning after the procedure.
Developed by the Cardiology and Anaesthetics department, Queensland Children’s Hospital. We acknowledge the input of consumers and carers.
Resource ID: FS077. Reviewed: October 2023.
Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.
Last updated: January 2024