Cardiac (Heart) Catheterization in Houston, TX | Dr. Masroor Khan
Understanding Cardiac Catheterization: What to Expect and Why It’s Done
When it comes to heart health, clarity is everything. If Dr. Masroor Khan has recommended a Cardiac (Heart) Catheterization for you or a loved one, it is natural to have questions. This procedure is one of the most effective tools we have at Cardiac Specialists of Houston to accurately diagnose and, in many cases, immediately treat cardiovascular conditions.
In this post, we’ll break down what the procedure is, why it is performed, and how we ensure your comfort and safety at the Texas Medical Center.
What is Cardiac Catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization (often called a "heart cath") is a minimally invasive procedure where a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel—usually in the groin or the wrist—and guided to your heart.
Once the catheter is in place, Dr. Khan can perform several diagnostic tests. The most common is a coronary angiography, where a special dye is injected so that X-ray images can show exactly how blood is flowing through your arteries.
Why Do I Need This Procedure?
Dr. Khan typically recommends a heart cath to get a "roadmap" of your heart. It helps us identify:
Blockages: Locating narrowed or clogged arteries (Coronary Artery Disease).
Valve Function: Checking how well your heart valves open and close.
Pumping Strength: Measuring the pressure and oxygen levels in your heart chambers.
Congenital Defects: Identifying structural issues present from birth.
From Diagnosis to Treatment
One of the greatest benefits of cardiac catheterization is that it can often transition from a diagnostic tool to a life-saving treatment in the same session. If Dr. Khan finds a significant blockage, he may perform an angioplasty (using a small balloon to open the artery) and place a stent (a tiny mesh tube) to keep the artery open and restore blood flow.
What to Expect During the Procedure
At Cardiac Specialists of Houston, we prioritize patient education so you feel confident and calm.
Preparation: You will likely be asked to fast for several hours before the procedure.
Sedation: You will be awake but relaxed. We use local anesthesia at the insertion site (wrist or groin) and mild sedation to ensure you are comfortable.
The Procedure: You may feel a brief sensation of warmth or "flushing" when the contrast dye is injected, but the procedure itself is generally painless. It typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour.
Recovery: After the catheter is removed, you’ll rest in a recovery room for a few hours. Most patients go home the same day, though you will need someone to drive you.
Why Choose Cardiac Specialists of Houston?
Dr. Masroor Khan, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, treats every patient with the same level of care he would want for his own family. By performing these advanced interventional procedures at the Texas Medical Center, he combines world-class technology with the personalized, compassionate touch of a private practice.
Our goal isn't just to treat a condition; it’s to improve your long-term quality of life through better heart health.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or have been told you need a cardiac evaluation, don't wait.
Contact us today:
Phone: (832) 831-6932
Location: 6550 Fannin St., Suite 2405, Houston, TX 77030
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