Chapter 7 Selected Diseases and Disorders of the Cardiovascular System
7.2d Cardiovascular Function – Advanced Catheter and Imaging Techniques
Zoë Soon
Cardiovascular System – Diagnostic Tests continued
Advanced Catheter and Imaging Techniques:
- Catheterization for Pressure Monitoring:
- Central Venous Pressure (CVP):
- Catheter inserted through a vein (e.g., femoral or basilic) into the right atrium.
- Measures pressure and volume of blood returning to the heart (preload).
- High CVP can indicate poor heart function or fluid overload; low CVP suggests reduced blood volume or cardiac output.
- Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP):
- Catheter navigated through the right heart to the pulmonary artery.
- Reflects left heart function.
- Normal PCWP: 6-12 mm Hg.
- Elevated PCWP (over 20 mm Hg) indicates pulmonary hypertension or left ventricular failure, causing backflow and pulmonary congestion.
- Dye-Based Imaging Techniques:
- Angiography using Catheters:
- Injection of radiodense dye into coronary arteries to visualize blockages (e.g., atherosclerosis).
- Identifies stenosis (narrowing) and guides intervention plans.
- Advanced Therapeutic Interventions via Catheters:
- Thrombolytic Delivery:
- Catheter movement directs thrombolytic agents to dissolve clots.
- Localized delivery is efficient, targeting specific blockages.
- Laser and Balloon Angioplasty:
- Laser treatment: Breaks apart clots and clears blockages.
- Balloon angioplasty: Balloon is inflated within a vessel to expand the lumen and restore blood flow.
- Ventriculography:
- Dye Injection: Catheter injects dye directly into ventricular chamber.
- Assesses:
- Wall motion and structural integrity.
- Chamber volumes and pressure dynamics.
- Evaluates stroke volume and overall ventricular function.
Practical Applications & Benefits:
- Diagnostic Insight: Provides detailed assessments of cardiac and vascular health.
- Therapeutic Precision: Targeted treatment options enhance efficacy, minimize systemic exposure.
- Monitoring Ease: Continuous data collection aids in monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy.
Summary: Catheter-based diagnostics and treatments, supported by advanced imaging and pressure monitoring, enable precise evaluation and intervention for cardiovascular conditions. These techniques offer a minimally invasive approach, optimizing patient outcomes and informing clinical decisions.
