A procedure that inserts a thin tube (catheter) into blood vessels to reach the heart, allowing examination of heart function and blood flow. It can diagnose coronary artery disease and guide treatments like angioplasty.
From Greek 'kardia' meaning 'heart' and 'katheter' meaning 'something thrust down,' from 'kathienai' meaning 'to send down.' The catheter is literally sent down through blood vessels to reach the heart.
Try Another Word