Cardiac catheterization is performed via which vascular access?

Cardiac catheterization is performed via which vascular access?

• A. Vein
• B. Artery
• C. Lymphatic
• D. Capillary

Answer: (B)

Cardiac catheterization is performed via arterial access because the procedure targets the left side of the heart and the coronary arteries. Accessing the arterial system allows the catheter to be advanced retrograde up the aorta to reach the aortic valve, left ventricle, and the coronary ostia for imaging and interventions. Venous access is used for right-heart catheterization to measure pressures in the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery, not to visualize left-sided structures. Lymphatic and capillary routes are not used for this purpose. Therefore, arterial access is the route of choice.

Cardiac catheterization is performed via arterial access because the procedure targets the left side of the heart and the coronary arteries. Accessing the arterial system allows the catheter to be advanced retrograde up the aorta to reach the aortic valve, left ventricle, and the coronary ostia for imaging and interventions. Venous access is used for right-heart catheterization to measure pressures in the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery, not to visualize left-sided structures. Lymphatic and capillary routes are not used for this purpose. Therefore, arterial access is the route of choice.