Cardiac catheterizations present risks

MAYWOOD, Illinois, USA – An article published in the journal MedLink Neurology reports about the risks presented by cardiac catheterizations procedures. While the risk of a stroke or other neurological complication is extremely small, neurologists may expect to see some because so many procedures are performed. These procedures include diagnostic angiograms, balloon angioplasties, and stent placements.

The article was written by doctors from Loyola University Health System’s Department of Neurology.

The procedure involves inserting a catheter (thin tube) in the groin of arm and guiding it to the heart. In rare cases, debris knocked loose from blood vessel walls may travel to the brain and trigger a stroke or transient ischemic attack (mini stroke). Tiny bubbles released from the catheter can be another trigger for a stroke or transient ischemic attack. And bleeding in the groin or arm where the catheter is inserted can cause peripheral nerve damage.

However, the risk is slight. More refined techniques and smaller and softer catheters make the risk even smaller, notes first author H. Steven Block, M.D.

“We want to be careful to not scare people who need a cardiac catheterization from getting this beneficial procedure,” Dr Block said.