Right Heart Catheter

Basic overview

  • This is a test that involves the insertion of a small catheter into the neck vein (internal jugular vein), leg vein (femoral vein), or less commonly the arm vein. After the access site is identified, your doctor will numb the area with local anaesthetic.
  • The small catheter will then be passed from the vein into the lung arteries where it will measure the pressures in the lung and right-sided chambers of the heart.

Indications for the test

  • Suspected or confirmed elevated lung (pulmonary) pressure – a condition called pulmonary hypertension.
  • It may also be performed in some types of congenital heart disease to measure the pressure and oxygen levels in some chambers of the heart.

What to expect

  • You will be guided through the procedure on the day, including the risks (<1:1000 chance of a serious complication in experienced hands)
  • You will have a cannula inserted into your arm so that sedation can be given (technically you are still conscious for the procedure, but very drowsy).
  • After assessing the best access site for the catheter (neck or leg vein), your doctor will numb the relevant area with local anaesthetic.
  • The procedure may take about 15-20 minutes.
  • Once finished pressure will be delivered to the access site for about 10 minutes, a sterile dressing will then be applied.
  • You will be moved to a monitored recovery bay until the sedation has worn off.

Our Locations

Free Parking At All Locations

Cardiology Tasmania has 6 specialist centres located in Derwent Park, Huonville, Oatland, Swansea, Rokeby, and Sorell. As well as our fixed locations, our cardiology specialists and consultants travel to regional and remote areas to ensure all patients have access to cardiology services regardless of where they live.

Call Us:
0439 195 660

Derwent Park

Northcare Health Centre, 254 Main Road, Derwent Park, TAS

Services Provided

  • Consultations
  • Transthoracic echocardiograms
  • Stress echocardiograms
  • Holter monitors
Huonville
Huon Valley Health Centre, 85 Main Road, Huonville, TAS

Services Provided

  • Consultations
  • Transthoracic echocardiograms
Oatlands
Midlands Multipurpose Health, 13 Church Street, Oatlands, TAS

Services Provided

  • Consultations
  • Transthoracic echocardiograms
61350540
Swansea

Swansea General Practice, 37 Wellington Street, Swansea, TAS

Services Provided

  • Consultations
  • Transthoracic echocardiograms
62578205
Rokeby

Healthology Rokeby, 46 S Arm Rd, Rokeby, TAS

Services Provided

  • Consultations
  • Transthoracic echocardiograms
Sorell

Sorell Doctors Surgery, 31 Gordon Street, TAS

Services Provided

  • Transthoracic echocardiograms

Your Appointment

Important information you should know

© Cardiology Tasmania. All rights reserved.
Built by FWRD Digital.