Cardiac Catheterization and Angiograms are essential diagnostic tools in pediatric cardiology, providing detailed images of the heart's blood vessels and chambers to identify abnormalities. Interventional Cardiac Catheterization extends this technique by allowing for minimally invasive treatments, such as repairing heart defects or widening narrowed arteries, without the need for open-heart surgery. Electrophysiologic Study and Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation are specialized procedures used to diagnose and treat arrhythmias by mapping the heart's electrical activity and ablating problematic tissue. Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) offers a closer look at the heart's structures by using an ultrasound probe inserted into the esophagus, providing high-resolution images critical for diagnosing complex heart conditions. Together, these advanced techniques enhance the ability to diagnose, monitor, and treat various pediatric heart diseases with precision and less invasiveness.
Cardiac catheterization (or heart catheterization) is a specialized test that provides information about certain heart conditions that cannot be obtained with any other tests. The test is performed while your child is under deep sedation. During the test the pediatric cardiologist advances very thin plastic tubes (called catheters) into the circulation through a vein or artery at the top of your child’s leg or arm. The catheters directly measure blood pressures and oxygen levels within the circulation. Then, the pediatric cardiologist injects medicine (called contrast) within the catheters. This produces X ray movies of the heart called angiograms. All of this information can be very important to decide how serious your child’s heart problem is, and whether further treatment is needed. After the test is completed your child is transferred to a recovery area and is usually discharged home later that same day.
Sometimes the cardiac catheterization is done not only to diagnose a problem, but to treat it. When special catheters are used to treat a problem this is called an interventional cardiac catheterization. Treatments include opening up blockages in valves or blood vessels that have become too narrow, or closing up holes or blood vessels that should have closed on their own. These procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Children who have had an interventional catheterization are usually observed in the hospital overnight and are discharged the following morning.
An electrophysiologic study (EP study) is a special type of heart catheterization that is done to study an abnormal or irregular rhythm of the heart. The pediatric cardiologist advances very thin plastic tubes (called catheters) into the circulation through IV’s that are placed at the top of your child’s leg or arm. The catheters can directly measure the heart’s electrical rhythm and find the exact location of the abnormal heart rhythm. Once this is located, the catheter can then emit a radio wave to permanently disable (or ablate) the source of the problem. This is called a radiofrequency ablation. These procedures are either performed under deep sedation or general anesthesia. Children who have an EP study alone may be discharged later on the same day of the procedure. Those who have an EP study with radiofrequency ablation are usually observed in the hospital overnight and are discharged the following morning.
This is a type of echocardiogram performed by passing a small transducer into the mouth and down the esophagus (the long tube connecting the mouth to the stomach). This study is performed on sedated patients. The TEE images can show certain parts of the heart in greater detail than a surface echocardiogram. This is frequently used during heart operations and during some interventional catheterization procedures.
Whether you need a routine check-up, a second opinion, or specialized care for a heart condition, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. At our clinic, we prioritize your heart health by providing easy access to top-tier cardiac care.
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