How does a doctor perform cardiac catheterization?

Via Arteries: A cardiac catheterization generally involves accessing on of the body's arteries to start the procedure, most commonly the femoral or radial. A small tube, called a sheath functions like an IV catheter, allowing access to the artery. Various catheters are then inserted and removed via the sheath to measure pressure and take x-ray pictures of the arteries and left ventricle.

Catheterization : A site is numbed over the groin or radial artery. A catheter is introduced and passed under fluoroscopy to the heart where measurements and pictures are recorded. When done catheter removed, wound closed and patient recovered.