Catheterization and Angiography
Our patient's diagnosis has been well defined by bedside findings and non-invasive laboratory assessment. Cardiac catheterization is not necessary for diagnosis, but may be considered for the purpose of device closure.
Indications for catheterization in other patients with the disease include suspicion of concomitant coronary artery or valve disease and concern about hemodynamics relative to pulmonary artery pressure.
The cardiac catheterization and angiography that follow are from another patient. They were performed to further define anatomy, confirm the size of the defect, detect associated disease, evaluate ventricular function and obtain hemodynamic measurements including pressures, cardiac output and shunt direction and magnitude.