CPT® Code 93511

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A left heart catheterization is a diagnostic procedure that allows for the evaluation of the heart's left side, including the left atrium and left ventricle, as well as the aortic valve and mitral valve. This procedure is performed retrograde, meaning that access to the heart is achieved by navigating against the natural flow of blood. The access points for this procedure can include the brachial artery, axillary artery, or femoral artery. In cases where percutaneous access is not feasible, a cutdown technique is employed, which involves making a small incision to directly access the artery. The procedure begins with the preparation of the skin over the selected artery, followed by puncturing the artery with a needle to insert a sheath. A guidewire is then threaded through the artery into the aorta and subsequently into the left heart chambers. This allows for the positioning of a catheter that can measure pressures within the heart and assess the function of the valves. Additionally, angiograms may be performed to visualize the coronary arteries and other vascular structures. The procedure concludes with the withdrawal of the catheter and application of compression to the puncture site to prevent bleeding.