Cardiac catheters are specialized medical devices used to diagnose and treat conditions of the heart and blood vessels. These catheters are typically inserted into an artery or vein in the groin or wrist and guided up to the heart or blood vessels using X-ray or other imaging techniques.
Cardiac catheters can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:
- Coronary angiography: This is a diagnostic procedure that involves injecting a special dye into the coronary arteries to visualize any blockages or narrowing. The catheter is guided to the coronary arteries and the dye is injected through the catheter. The X-ray images obtained during the procedure help identify the location and severity of any blockages.
- Balloon angioplasty: This is a therapeutic procedure that can be performed during a coronary angiography. A small balloon attached to the end of the catheter is inflated inside the narrowed or blocked artery to open it up and improve blood flow.
- Stent placement: Similar to balloon angioplasty, a stent can be placed in the narrowed or blocked artery to keep it open. The stent is inserted into the artery using the catheter and expanded to hold the artery open.
- Electrophysiology studies: These are diagnostic tests that evaluate the electrical activity of the heart. The catheter is guided to the heart and small electrical signals are sent through the catheter to stimulate the heart and measure its response.
Cardiac catheters are typically performed by interventional cardiologists, who are specially trained in using these devices. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and sedation, and patients are closely monitored for any complications, such as bleeding or infection. Overall, cardiac catheters are important tools in diagnosing and treating heart and blood vessel conditions and have been shown to be effective in improving patient outcomes.
ProPlate has over 35 years of experience in the electroplating industry. We have developed engineered processes for plating just the catheter component needed for radiopacity or other applications. Our team will work to find a solution to your engineering roadblocks and allow you to focus on improving patient outcomes.
