right-heart catheterization

medicine

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Right-heart catheterization is a medical procedure used to evaluate the cardiovascular system. It involves inserting a long, X-ray-opaque tube, called a catheter, into a vein in the arm, thigh, or groin. This catheter is then guided into the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery.

The primary purpose of this procedure is to measure the pressure and oxygen saturation within the right side of the heart. These measurements help diagnose abnormalities in the heart's valves and assess the overall health of the cardiovascular system, aiding in the determination of appropriate medical or surgical treatments.1

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human cardiovascular system
Right-heart catheterization
Right-heart catheterization is performed by insertion of a catheter (a long tube) into the cubital vein (at the bend of the elbow), the saphenous vein (in the inner thigh), or the femoral vein (at the groin). The catheter, which is opaque to X-ray,…
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Right-heart catheterization is performed by insertion of a catheter (a long tube) into the cubital vein (at the bend of the elbow), the saphenous vein (in the inner thigh), or the femoral vein (at the groin). The catheter, which is opaque to X-ray,…
Read More