Transseptal Cardiac Catheterization

Advanced Procedure to Assess Heart Function and Blood Flow

The highly skilled cardiologists at Loyola Medicine are experts in diagnosing and treating coronary heart disease. While many non-invasive cardiovascular imaging techniques are used to help aid in the diagnosis of heart conditions, in some cases a catheter (thin tube) is required to adequately assess pumping of the heart, heart valve function, blood flow and blood pressure.

Loyola’s state-of-the-art facilities and expert doctors offer the latest in catheter-based testing, including transseptal cardiac catheterization.

As one of the few hospitals in the Chicago area to perform this method of catheterization, Loyola is skilled at obtaining the information necessary to evaluate your heart failure and detect heart problems.

Why Choose Loyola for Transseptal Cardiac Catheterization?

Our interventional cardiologists have more than 20 years of experience with transseptal cardiac catheterization and catheter-based therapy to treat structural heart problems. Loyola’s cardiology and heart surgery program is nationally recognized for our diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. We work with you to help you understand your condition and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

What to Expect with Transseptal Cardiac Catheterization

Transseptal cardiac catheterization provides valuable information on the pressures in your heart and is used in the diagnosis of mitral valve or artificial valve dysfunction.

During transseptal cardiac catheterization, the left side of your heart is accessed through the right side of your heart by making a small surgical incision in your septum, the wall that divides the two sides of the heart.

The puncture is made during a catheterization procedure and is usually created with a sharp needle. In some cases, a needle powered with a radiofrequency current is used. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation.

What are the Risks of Transseptal Cardiac Catheterization?

Transseptal cardiac catheterization is considered a surgical procedure and therefore carries some risk. Potential complications include:

• Artery injury
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Cardiac tamponade
• Low blood pressure

Other, more rare side effects may include:

• Heart attack
• Stroke