Heart Catherization with Dye

71 years old. Four way bypass one year ago.  Stress test recently was good.  Ultrasound indicated problem with aorta valve.  Heart catherization with dye scheduled.  What does this procedure show?  If valve replacement is needed, what additional difficulties may they be with already having chest opened one year ago?  He is also diabetic and prone to infection.  If surgery is recommended should he go on antibiotics prior to procedure?
    He was doing fine after open heart surgery.  Except for after a year he developed an infection.  Walks three brisk miles a day, but has an initial problem with shortness of breath ... after regaining his breath, he is able to continue at a good pace without any problems.

Thanks!

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Thanks for the post Samerina.

1.   Heart catherization with dye scheduled. What does this procedure show?

The catheterization with dye shows the coronary artery anatomy and will show if there are blockages.  The may do additional injections to show heart function, mitral valve leaking and aortic valve function.  Catheters can cross the aortic valve to measure pressures and help determine over all heart function.

2. what additional difficulties may they be with already having chest opened one year ago?

Redo open heart surgeries are a bit more difficult.  Scars form around the old operation site and make the opening and closing more difficult.  The risk is certainly not prohibative if the surgery is necessary, but high volume centers have more experience with redo surgeries and likely have lower risks.

3.  He is also diabetic and prone to infection. If surgery is recommended should he go on antibiotics prior to procedure?

Yes, diabetics are at higher risk, but again, not prohibitive.  Preoperative antibiotics are not helpful in avoiding infections.

I would certainly consider seeking a second opinion before surgery, if a second surgery is recommended.

Good luck!