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Catheter Placement During a Cardiac Catheterization

Catheter going from groin to heart, with detail of catheter in a coronary artery

Cardiac catheterization is done using a thin, soft tube called a catheter. A doctor inserts the catheter into a blood vessel, typically in the groin area, using a special needle. The doctor then slowly guides the catheter through blood vessels toward the heart. The catheter tip is moved into various positions in the heart's chambers and vessels (coronary arteries).

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer John A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology
Michael P. Pignone, MD, MPH, FACP - Internal Medicine

Current as ofOctober 5, 2017

Current as of: October 5, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & John A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology & Michael P. Pignone, MD, MPH, FACP - Internal Medicine