What is cardiac (heart) catheterization?

Heart catheterization is done by inserting a tiny plastic tube (catheter) into a vein or artery in order to diagnose or treat certain heart conditions.

Why is heart catheterization done?

• Occasionally a catheterization is performed to help diagnose a heart problem. Most frequently, it is used to treat heart conditions by improving blood flow through the heart (dilation of heart valves or vessels), or by redirecting blood flow (closing or creating connections within the heart).  These procedures are called interventional catheterizations.  
• Catheterization can often delay or avoid heart surgery
• Catheterization procedures are less invasive, less painful and require shorter recovery periods than surgery. 
• Most procedures do not involve general anesthesia, instead patients are given sedation to make them sleep while being able to breathe on their own. 

Why Doernbecher?

We have state-of-the-art catheterization laboratories and two pediatric cardiologists with advanced training in Interventional Cardiology.  Dr. Grant Burch and Dr. Laurie Armsby perform over 300 cardiac catheterizations each year.  They have over 20 years of cumulative experience in performing heart catheterization procedures on newborns, children and adults.