Risks and Complications

2 Risks and Complications

The incidence and extent of complications after cardiac catheterization depend on the severity of the underlying cardiac disease, on noncardiac comorbidities, and on parameters of the examination (duration and extent of the study, access route, amount of contrast medium, etc.). Furthermore, the operator’s level of training and experience are of significance. The following risks and complications are well established:

Contrast media-associated complications (renal failure, allergic reactions)

Local complications at the site of vascular access

Cardiovascular or cerebrovascular complications

Major complications are summarized in Table 2.1 and will be discussed in more detail in the respective chapters on techniques and diseases.

Severe complications are relatively rare; nevertheless, fatal outcomes have been reported in ~0.01 % of patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Patient characteristics associated with an increased risk of death are shown in Table 2.2.

Fatal outcomes during elective cardiac catheterization in stable patients without severe comorbidities are rare.

Table 2.1 Complications associated with diagnostic cardiac catheterization

– Death

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