Catheterizations

Posted By Lourdes on July 23, 1998 at 07:51:07:







I posted a question about catheterizations and the risks of developing artery blockages later (from the catheter irritating the lining of the aorta where the catheter goes into the heart) The doctor that answered my post said he wasn't sure what I meant by "bruising" of the artery during a cath. To clarify...the Yale University School of Medicine Heartbook lists as one of the risks or complications of cardiac catheterization as "bruising or damage to the artery in which the catheter is inserted" and my concern was the risk of developing a blockage to my artery because of this. I did not have angioplasty and I know that sometimes people develop blockages from having angioplasty. Could you explain to me the risks of developing a blockage after just a catheterization versus the risks after angioplasty? Am I at risk for a blockage if my artery was "bruised" or irritated by the catheter? I'm concerned because during the procedure I felt pain just before my cardiologist removed the catheter and I'm afraid that was the "bruising" How can I tell if this has happened to me?