Cardiac Catheterization in Children

Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat heart problems in children. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through a blood vessel, usually in the arm or leg, and guided to the heart. This allows doctors to measure pressures, take images, and sometimes perform treatments, such as repairing heart defects. The procedure is usually done under sedation, and while it's invasive, it's generally safe and provides valuable information to guide further care. Recovery is typically quick, and children can often go home the same day after monitoring.