1. Catheterization for Pressure Monitoring of CVP and PCWP:

• 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.

2. Dye-Based Imaging Techniques:

• Angiography using Catheters:
  • Injection of radio-dense dye into coronary arteries to visualize blockages (e.g., atherosclerosis or congenital narrowing) using CT (computed tomography) scans.
  • Identifies stenosis (narrowing) and guides intervention plans.
• Ventriculography:  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.

   

3. 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.

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.