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Heart, section through the middle
Heart, section through the middle
Heart, front view
Heart, front view

Right heart ventriculography
Definition:
The study of the right chambers (atrium and ventricle) of the heart, to obtain measurements of pressure, oxygen, and cardiac output through a catheter (thin flexible tube).

Occasionally, visualization of the right chambers is also necessary. It is obtained by injection of contrast media through the catheter into the right side of the heart with rapid succession of X-rays to capture blood flow.

Alternative Names:
Angiography - right heart

How the test is performed:

You are given a mild sedative prior to the test. An intravenous line is started in an arm to allow for the administration of medication during the procedure.

A cardiologist inserts a catheter through a small incision in a vein in the arm, neck, or groin after cleansing the site and numbing the site with a local anesthetic. The catheter is then carefully threaded into the heart, using X-ray images called fluoroscopy to guide the insertion.

When the catheter is in place, dye is injected to view the blood vessels within the heart.
How to prepare for the test:
Adults:
Food and fluid are restricted for 6 to 8 hours before the test. The procedure takes place in the hospital. Sometimes, admission the night before the test is required. Otherwise, admission as an outpatient or inpatient the morning of the procedure is required. A health care provider must explain the procedure and its risks. You must sign a consent form.

A mild sedative is usually given 1/2 hour before the procedure. The procedure may last from 1 to several hours. You will wear hospital clothing.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How the test will feel:

The procedure takes place in a cardiac diagnostic laboratory. You are given sedation to relax prior to the procedure, but you are awake and able to follow instructions during the test. You will remain on a stretcher for the duration of the test.

An insertion is made into a vein in the arm, neck, or groin for threading the catheter into your heart. You are given a local anesthesia to insert the catheter, and the only sensation is one of pressure at the site.

Occasionally, a flushing sensation occurs after the contrast media is injected. Discomfort may arise from having to lie still for prolonged periods of time.
Why the test is performed:
Right-heart angiography is performed to detect abnormalities in blood flow through the right side of the heart.
Normal Values:
See Swan-Ganz catheterization.
What abnormal results mean:
Right atrial abnormalities such as right atrial myxoma may be present (see Atrial myxoma; right). Abnormal pressures or volumes, abnormalities of the right-sided heart valves, and shunts may be detected.
What the risks are:
Risks of the procedure are cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac tamponade, trauma to the vein or artery, low blood pressure, infection, embolism from blood clots at the tip of the catheter, reaction to contrast medium, hemorrhage, stroke, and heart attack.
Special considerations:
This test may be combined with coronary angiography.
Review Date: 2/27/2001
Reviewed By: Elena Sgarbossa, M.D. Cardiology Department, Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Ctr., Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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