Cardiac Catheterization to Repair a Heart Defect: Before Your Child's Procedure

What is cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization can be done to fix some congenital heart defects. This is a kind of heart problem that your child is born with.

There are different kinds of heart defects. The heart may have a hole between its chambers. Or a valve or artery may not have formed the right way. In some cases, a heart valve, artery, or chamber may not have formed at all. Any of these can affect how blood flows through the heart or blood vessels.

Your doctor doesn't need to make any cuts to do this procedure. Instead, the doctor uses a thin tube called a catheter. First, the doctor puts the catheter into a blood vessel in the groin area, neck, or other place on your child's body. Then the catheter is moved through the blood vessel to the heart. Finally, the doctor puts special tools through the catheter to fix the problem. Then the catheter is removed from your child's body.

It can be scary when your child has a heart problem. It may help to learn as much as you can about your child's condition. You may also want to talk with other parents who have a child with a similar problem.

How do you prepare for the procedure?

Procedures can be stressful for both your child and you. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your child's procedure.

Preparing for the procedure

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  Talk to your child about the procedure. Tell your child that it will help make your child's heart healthier. Hospitals know how to take care of children. The staff will do all they can to make it easier for your child.
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  Ask if the hospital has child life specialists. They can help you and your child understand your child's health condition, prepare for the surgery, and get emotional support.
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  Ask if a special tour of the surgery area and hospital is available. This may make your child feel less nervous about what happens.
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  Plan for your child's recovery time. Your child may need more of your time right after the surgery, both for care and for comfort.
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  Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
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  Tell the doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies your child takes. Some may increase the risk of problems during the procedure. Your doctor will tell you if your child should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.

The day before the procedure

• A nurse may call you (or you may need to call the hospital). This is to confirm the time and date of your child's procedure and answer any questions.
• Remember to follow your doctor's instructions about your child taking or stopping medicines before the procedure. This includes over-the-counter medicines.

What happens on the day of the procedure?

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  Follow the instructions exactly about when your child should stop eating and drinking. If you don't, the procedure may be canceled. If the doctor told you to have your child take any medicines on the day of the procedure, have your child take them with only a sip of water.
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  Have your child take a bath or shower before you come in. Do not apply lotion or deodorant.
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  Your child may brush their teeth. But tell your child not to swallow any toothpaste or water.
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  Be sure your child has something that's a reminder of home. A special stuffed animal, toy, or blanket may be comforting. For an older child, it might be a book or music.

At the hospital or surgery center

• A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child.
• Your child will be kept comfortable and safe by an anesthesia provider.
• The procedure will take at least 1 hour. In some cases, it may take several hours.
• After the procedure, your child will be taken to the recovery room. As your child wakes up, the recovery room staff will monitor your child's condition. The doctor will talk to you about the procedure.
• Pressure will be applied to the area where the catheter was put in the blood vessel. Then the area may be covered with a bandage or a compression device. This will prevent bleeding. Nurses will check the area often.
• If the catheter was put in your child's groin, your child will need to lie still and keep their leg straight for up to a few hours.
• Your child may have a bruise or a small lump where the catheter was put in the blood vessel. This is normal and will go away.