Cardiac catheterization, also known as coronary angiography or cardiac cath, is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat various heart conditions. It involves the insertion of a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel, typically in the groin or wrist, and threading it up to the heart.

During cardiac catheterization, the catheter is guided to the heart under X-ray guidance. There are different types of cardiac catheterization procedures, including:

1. Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization: This procedure is primarily used for diagnostic purposes to evaluate the structure and function of the heart. Contrast dye is injected through the catheter, allowing the X-ray images to capture detailed information about the coronary arteries, heart chambers, valves, and overall heart function. It helps identify blockages, narrowing, or other abnormalities in the blood vessels.

2. Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting: In addition to diagnostic purposes, cardiac catheterization can be performed as an interventional procedure to treat coronary artery disease. Using specialized catheters, the interventional cardiologist can open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries by inflating a small balloon within the artery (angioplasty) and often placing a stent to keep the artery open. This procedure helps restore blood flow to the heart muscle and relieve symptoms such as chest pain (angina) or prevent a heart attack.

3. Other Interventions: Cardiac catheterization can also be used for other interventional procedures, such as balloon valvuloplasty (to repair a narrowed heart valve), closure of certain congenital heart defects, or placement of devices like implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) or pacemakers.

Cardiac catheterization is performed by a specialized team, including interventional cardiologists, nurses, and technicians, in a cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab). The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation to ensure patient comfort.

While cardiac catheterization is generally safe, there are some risks associated with the procedure, including bleeding, infection, allergic reactions to the contrast dye, blood vessel damage, or complications related to the heart or blood vessels.

Cardiac catheterization provides critical information for diagnosing and treating various heart conditions. It helps guide treatment decisions and allows for precise interventions to improve blood flow, relieve symptoms, and potentially prevent future heart-related complications.