Harrington-McLaughlin Heart & Vascular Institute
Bedford Medical Center Invasive Cardiovascular Procedures
- Coronary angiography: a procedure that uses a special dye (contrast material) and x-rays to see how blood flows through your heart.
- Cardiac catheterization (low risk): is used to study the various functions of the heart or to obtain diagnostic information about the heart or its vessels. A small incision is made in an artery or vein in the arm, neck, or groin. The catheter is threaded through the artery or vein into the heart. X-ray images called fluoroscopy are used to guide the insertion. When the catheter is in place, dye is injected to visualize the structures and vessels within the heart.
- Arterial / venous interventions: any medical procedure (including stenting and embolization) used to diagnose and treat poor circulation or blockage of arteries and veins.