Endomyocardial biopsy

Endomyocardial biopsy is a medical procedure that involves the extraction of a small piece of heart muscle for examination. This procedure is often used to diagnose heart diseases or to monitor the heart's condition after a heart transplant.

Procedure

The procedure for an endomyocardial biopsy typically involves the insertion of a small, flexible tube (catheter) into a vein in the neck or groin. The catheter is then guided to the right side of the heart, where a small piece of the heart muscle is removed for examination. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and may take up to an hour to complete.

Uses

Endomyocardial biopsy is primarily used to diagnose certain heart conditions, such as cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and cardiac amyloidosis. It is also used to monitor the heart for signs of rejection after a heart transplant.

Risks

While endomyocardial biopsy is generally considered safe, it does carry some risks. These can include bleeding, infection, damage to the heart or blood vessels, and irregular heart rhythms. In rare cases, the procedure can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Alternatives

In some cases, non-invasive tests such as echocardiography, cardiac MRI, or cardiac CT may be used instead of an endomyocardial biopsy. These tests can provide similar information without the need for an invasive procedure.

See also

• Cardiac catheterization
• Heart disease
• Heart transplant

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