The risk of diagnostic cardiovascular catheterization

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Diagnostic cardiac catheterization is a common procedure.
• Assessing the risks associated with cardiac catheterization is crucial for patient care and procedural guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate the risk of major complications and permanent sequelae associated with diagnostic cardiac catheterization.
• To determine the safety profile of cardiac catheterization in a community hospital setting.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study design.
• Inclusion of 745 adult patients undergoing 2,676 diagnostic cardiac catheterization procedures over 131 months.
• Detailed recording of all major complications, permanent deficits, and deaths.

Main Results:

• Seven major complications occurred in six patients.
• Two major complications resulted in permanent deficits.
• No deaths were directly attributable to the cardiac catheterization procedures.
• The overall risk of a major complication was 0.8% per patient and 0.3% per procedure.
• The risk of a complication with a permanent sequela was 0.07%.

Conclusions:

• Diagnostic cardiac catheterization can be performed with a low risk of death or major complications.
• The findings support the safety and efficacy of cardiac catheterization in a community hospital.
• Minimizing patient risk is achievable through careful procedural conduct and monitoring.