Heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults in the U.S., including both men and women. As a result, numerous tests and diagnostic procedures have been developed to avert serious, and even deadly, attacks. One of the common diagnostic tools is a cardiac catheterization, or cath. This procedure can be used to implement a number of other diagnostic tests and treatment or repair procedures.
A cardiac catheterization is often performed for a variety of purposes, such as:
- Measuring blood flow and pressure in the heart and arteries
- Collecting blood samples
- Measuring oxygen
- Performing heart muscle biopsies
- Examining the arteries through angiocardiography or angiography (x-ray images of the blood flow in and around the heart)
- Performing procedures such as angioplasty and atherectomy to open blocked arteries, and insert stents
How the Procedure Is Done
A cardiac cath is performed in a hospital, although it can generally be done as an outpatient procedure. It takes about an hour, with pre-op and recovery time adding up to most of a day. The steps to the procedure include:
- A mild anaesthetic is administered
- An intravenous tube is inserted into a blood vessel, often in the groin, arm, or neck
- The catheter is threaded into the heart and a contrast dye is injected
- X-rays are taken of the affected areas
- Immediate treatment may occur, if warranted, such as an angioplasty
Risks
Any invasive surgery carries a certain amount of risk; however, modern training and equipment have made cardiac catheterization predominantly safe, with only a 4% statistical risk of complications and .2% mortality rates. Some of the most common complications include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood vessel damage
- Allergic reactions to the dye
- Less common complications may include:
- Kidney damage from certain types of dye
- Blood clots, which can lead to stroke or paralysis
- Low blood pressure
- Arrhythmia
- Heart attack
- Death
Possibility of Medical Negligence and Injury
Surgeons and medical professionals are generally highly trained, but not always perfect. There can be errors, which may lead to medical malpractice. Some common errors include:
- Damage to the blood vessels leading to stroke or paralysis
- Improper administration of anesthesia
- Lack of sterile conditions or instruments
- Inadequate oversight of post-operative patients
- Improper administration of pre-op or post-op medications
- Inadequate control of x-ray radiation exposure
- Failure to respond adequately to surgical or post-surgical complications
There are many more errors that can take place in surgery; however, anything that can be characterized as less than the generally accepted standards of practice may be considered grounds for malpractice.
Medical Negligence and Malpractice Suits
When medical malpractice occurs, there must be certification from a medical expert that the defendant failed to meet the accepted standard of practice. If that certificate of merit is obtained, the plaintiff and their medical malpractice lawyer may seek compensation for a number of damages:
- Additional medical or rehabilitative expenses
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages for gross negligence
- Wrongful death
- Loss of companionship or support
- Funeral expenses
When to Talk to a Lawyer
Medical malpractice is often an emotional and hard-fought case to win. That is why it is vital for a victim or their family to retain an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to represent them. They have an unbiased and realistic view of the evidence and determine the proper course of action. In addition, they know the law and can invoke all the protections to which a victim is entitled. Finally, they generally only receive compensation when they win the case for their client, so they are committed to pursuing the case effectively for their client.
