Cardiac Catheterization Procedures Flashcards

When measuring cardiac output by the Fick method during catheterization, which three variables are required?

Answer: Oxygen consumption, arterial O2 content, mixed venous O2 content

The Fick equation: CO = VO2 / (CaO2 - CvO2), requiring oxygen consumption and the arteriovenous oxygen content difference.

A patient with an atrial septal defect undergoes right heart catheterization. At which location would the technologist expect to find a step-up in oxygen saturation?

Answer: Superior vena cava to right atrium

An ASD causes left-to-right shunting at the atrial level, producing an oxygen saturation step-up from the SVC to the right atrium.

During coronary angiography, the technologist notices the contrast does not clear from a coronary artery segment between injections. This is known as:

Answer: Coronary ectasia

Coronary ectasia is abnormal dilation of coronary segments causing slow contrast clearance due to turbulent, sluggish flow.

After successful PCI, TIMI 3 flow is achieved. What does TIMI 3 indicate?

Answer: Normal flow with complete and rapid distal opacification

TIMI 3 indicates normal epicardial coronary flow with complete and timely opacification of the distal vessel.

Which complication is best detected by performing an Allen test prior to radial artery access?

Answer: Inadequate ulnar collateral circulation

The Allen test evaluates ulnar collateral flow to ensure the hand will be adequately perfused if the radial artery is occluded.

A patient with suspected constrictive pericarditis undergoes right and left heart catheterization. Which hemodynamic pattern confirms the diagnosis?

Answer: Equalization of diastolic pressures across all four chambers

Constrictive pericarditis causes equalization of end-diastolic pressures in all chambers due to external constraint by the rigid pericardium.

During balloon aortic valvuloplasty, rapid ventricular pacing at 180-200 bpm is used. What is the primary purpose of this pacing?

Answer: To minimize cardiac output and stabilize the balloon during inflation

Rapid pacing reduces stroke volume and cardiac output, keeping the balloon stable and preventing it from being ejected during inflation.