Non invasive & Invasive Cardiovascular procedure

Diagnostic Test For Cardiovascular System

Different types of diagnostic procedure information obtained from the history and physical examination of the cardiovascular system. These procedures are usually classified as -

  1. Non invasive procedure
  2. Invasive procedure

1. Non-invasive procedure- Cardiology procedures recognize heart problems without the application of fluids, needles, or other instruments into the body.The non-invasive procedure usually includes external tests rather than any insertion of needles, fluids, or other medical instruments for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, heart ailments, or other cardiac diseases. This specialty limits further medical complexities for the heart. It does not require any breakage of skin.

  • Chest x-Ray-A chest X-Ray examination shows the size, position, contour and structure of the heart. The radiographic image records any displacement or enlargement of the heart, presence of extra fluid around the heart and pulmonary congestion.Fluoroscopy uses a luminescent x-Ray screen to guide cardiac catheter or pacemakers lead placement.
  • Electro cardiogram-The ECG is a diagnostic tool used in assessing the cardiovascular system. It is a graphic recording of abnormality related to cardiac conduction, rate, rhythm, heart chamber enlargement, myocardial Ischemia, electrolyte imbalance etc.

    The standard 12 lead ECG is the most commonly used tool to diagnose dysrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, enlarge heart chamber, myocardial ischemia and electrolyte imbalance etc.

  • MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)-Cardiac MRI is useful for identifying ischemia and heart damage as well as other conditions affecting the heart.(MRA) Magnetic resonance angiography is being used for imaging vascular occlusive disease and abdominal aortic Aneurysms.

    The contrast material is non-iodine based and is injected through an intravenous line

  • CT (Computed tomography scan)-Computed tomography also called computerized axial tomographic scanning or electron-beam computed tomography (EBСТ).These techniques are used to evaluate cardiac masses and disease of the aorta and pericardium. It is used to evaluate bypass graft patency, congenital heart lesions, left and right ventricular mass, chamber volumes, Cardiac output and Ejection fraction.
  • Blood studies-Blood Studies Various blood studies contribute information about the cardiovascular system.

    Lipid profile,Serum Electrolyte levels,Blood urea nitrogen level,Coagulation Studies.Cardiac enzymes analysis, 

  • Positron Emission tomography (PET)-PET shows myocardial perfusion and viability with three dimensional images.

    Nitrogen 13 ammonia is injected IV first and then scanned to show myocardial perfusion. Next fluoro-18-deoxy glucose is given IV and then scanned to show myocardial metabolic function.

  • Echo cardiogram-It is a particularly useful tool for diagnosing pericardial effusions, determining the etiology of heart murmurs, evaluating the function of prosthetic heart valves, determining chamber size and evaluating ventricular wall motion. The ultrasound is generated by a hand-held transducer applied to the front of the chest. The transducer picks up the echoes, converts them to electrical impulses and transmits them to the echocardiography machine for display on an oscilloscope and recording on a video tape
  • Cardiac stress testing-Exercise testing is a method used to evaluate the cardiovascular response to physical stress.

    Patient selection for exercise testing is appropriate for individuals who do not have limitations related to walking or using a bicycle and those without abnormal ECG that limit diagnostic interpretation.

2. Invasive procedure-Invasive cardiology (also known as interventional cardiology) is a minimally invasive procedure for identifying the anomalies of the human heart. Invasive cardiology processes are generally minor surgeries that require breaking into the skin of the patient for treatment

  • Angiography-Cardiac catheterization is usually performed with angiography, a technique of injecting a contrast agent into the vascular system to outline the heart and blood vessels. When a particular heart chamber or blood vessel is singled out for study, the procedure is known as selective angiography.Arteriography and venography are the two types of angiographies.
  • Cardiac catheterization-Catheterization can be used to measure intracardiac pressure and O, levels in various parts of the heart. With injection of contrast media and fluoroscopy, the coronary arteries can be visualized, chamber of heart can be outlined and wall motion can be observed.
  • Electro physiology study-To study the heart's electrical system, one or more catheters with electrodes are inserted via the femoral vein into the right side of the heart. The heart's electrical impulses are then recorded and pacing can also be done. It provides information on SA node function, AV node conduction and ventricular conduction
  • Intra coronary ultrasound-ICUS also known as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is an invasive procedure performed in the catheterization laboratory. The health of the arterial layers is assessed as is the composition, location and thickness of plaque
  • Hemodynamic monitoring-Bedside hemodynamic monitoring of pressures of the cardiovascular system is frequently used to assess cardiovascular status.Invasive hemodynamic monitoring using intraarterial and pulmonary artery catheters can be used to monitor arterial BP, intracardiac pressure and cardiac output.

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