Going into detail on what this term means and how it relates to health guidelines. This article may be incomplete.
Right heart catheterization is an invasive procedure used to evaluate the pressure and oxygen levels within the right side of the heart and pulmonary arteries. During this procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a vein in the neck, arm, or groin and guided to the right side of the heart. By measuring the pressure in the heart chambers and collecting blood samples from different parts of the heart, healthcare providers can assess the function of the heart and diagnose conditions such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and congenital heart defects.
This procedure is commonly performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center (ASC) setting and is guided by real-time imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy to ensure accurate placement of the catheter. Right heart catheterization provides valuable information about cardiac output, filling pressures, and vascular resistance, which can help healthcare providers tailor treatment plans for patients with various cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, this procedure may be used to guide treatment decisions, such as the initiation of certain medications, assessment of responses to therapy, or evaluation for heart transplantation. Right heart catheterization plays a crucial role in the comprehensive evaluation of patients with complex heart diseases and is an essential tool in managing their care effectively.