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Catheter Placement During a Cardiac Catheterization

Picture of a catheter placed 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).

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Specialist Medical Reviewer George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
Last Revised July 20, 2011

Last Revised: July 20, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & George Philippides, MD - Cardiology

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