Interventional Cardiac Catheterization
There are different types of transcatheter interventions that can be performed in a sterile room (catheterization laboratory) or the surgical suite. Many of the procedures are performed by an interventional cardiologist, who is a pediatric cardiologist, with specialized training in such procedures. An interventional catheterization is considered a therapeutic procedure as it may help dilate an obstructed valve or close an abnormal connection or enlarge an opening whenever it is necessary. Virtually all of the procedures are performed under general anesthesia. The cardiologist uses a term called “transcatheter approach” to any interventional catheterization procedure. For example, transcatheter closure of a PDA would mean closure of an abnormal communication with the help of a special catheter and device. Several heart defects may be closed or treated by using the transcatheter approach or surgery.
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