Ten Basic Instructionsof Cardiac Catheterization

in Cath lab

Dr. N.PRAVEEN

MD,DM

From the article by Frank J. Hildner, MD, FACC, FSCAI inCatheterization and Cardiovascular Diagnosis 22:307-309 (1991)

not

1.

Do not let it

Neverwithout

Never against

appropriate rarely.

• Remember, eye-hand coordination can be learned, but it is controlled by

intelligence.

obtain backbleeding

understand

Never for granted.

check

• Don’t believe any one else’s assurance that things are in order.

• Look at the injector, check its settings, and make sure there are no bubbles.

• Keep watch for potential hazards such as air in pressure and contrast lines

or syringes.

Murphy’s Law (the principle that whatever can possibly go

wrong will) applies more in the laboratory than anywhere

else

finesse, not with force

• A delicate, light touch is preferred in patients.

• Use only enough effort to get the job done.

Pain

Correct it immediately

Never leave without

answers

Even when the teaching remains constant the end product depends

on the physician-student.

Good judgment cannot be taught.

And it is judgment that ultimately separates the successful (excellent)

from the unsuccessful (mediocre) invasive cardiologist.