Cardiac Catheterization in Jordan
Dr. Ghassan Shawabkeh is a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist in Jordan with extensive experience in diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization.
Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease. Coronary angiography allows the cardiologist to visualize the coronary arteries and identify areas of narrowing or blockage.
Transradial Cardiac Catheterization – Catheterization Through the Wrist
When appropriate for the patient's condition, cardiac catheterization can be performed through the radial artery in the wrist instead of the femoral artery in the groin. Transradial access is widely used for coronary angiography and coronary interventions and may allow earlier mobilization after the procedure and reduce access-site bleeding complications in appropriate patients.
Dr. Ghassan Shawabkeh has extensive experience in transradial cardiac catheterization and coronary intervention.
Coronary Angioplasty and Stent Placement
When a significant coronary artery narrowing is identified, coronary angioplasty and stent placement may be performed during the same procedure when clinically appropriate. A balloon catheter is used to open the narrowed segment, and a coronary stent may be placed to help maintain blood flow through the artery.
Complex Coronary Interventions
Some patients have complex coronary artery disease that requires advanced interventional techniques. These cases may include chronic total occlusion (CTO), heavily calcified coronary arteries, left main coronary artery disease, bifurcation or trifurcation lesions, and multivessel coronary artery disease.
Dr. Ghassan Shawabkeh has experience in the management of complex coronary lesions and advanced coronary interventions, with each case carefully assessed to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy.
What Happens During Cardiac Catheterization?
Before the procedure, the patient is assessed by the cardiology team and the appropriate access site and treatment strategy are determined.
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. A mild sedative may be given when appropriate. A small catheter is introduced through the wrist or, when necessary, through another vascular access site and guided to the coronary arteries.
Diagnostic coronary angiography commonly takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, although the duration can vary depending on the patient's condition and the complexity of the procedure.
After the procedure, patients are monitored for a period of time. The length of observation and whether the patient can return home the same day or requires admission depend on the findings, the type of procedure performed, and the patient's overall medical condition.
Is Cardiac Catheterization Right for You?
The decision to perform cardiac catheterization is individualized and depends on the patient's symptoms, medical history, examination, ECG, stress testing, CT coronary angiography, echocardiography, and other relevant investigations.
Patients with suspected or confirmed coronary artery disease can be evaluated to determine whether medical treatment, further testing, or coronary intervention is the most appropriate option.
For evaluation of coronary artery disease or consultation regarding cardiac catheterization, please contact Dr. Ghassan Shawabkeh's clinic.