Transseptal Cardiac Catheterization

What is it?

This procedure is used to measure pressures in the heart in the evaluation of cardiomyopathy (heart failure). It is also used in the diagnosis of mitral valve or artificial valve dysfunction. Loyola is one of the few hospitals in the Chicago area that performs transseptal cardiac catheterization.

The left side of your heart is accessed through the right side of your heart by making a small puncture in the septum, the muscular wall that divides the two sides of the heart. The puncture is made during a catheterization procedure and is usually created with a sharp needle. In some cases, a needle powered with a radiofrequency current is used. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation and usually takes approximately two hours.

The Loyola difference

Loyola is a nationally recognized leader in cardiac care. U.S. News & World Report ranked us 18th in the nation for cardiology and heart surgery in 2012, making this our 10th year in the top 50.

Learn more about our performance outcomes.