Invasive Testing

Invasive Tests involve inserting catheters into the blood vessels of the heart in order to get a closer look at the coronary arteries or to stimulate and test the electrical system of the heart.

800.659.7822 Toll Free


Cardiac Catheterization

An invasive imaging procedure that allows your doctor to evaluate your heart function.

Carotid Angiography

An invasive imaging procedure that involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel in the arm or leg, and guiding it to the carotid arteries with the aid of a special x-ray machine.

Carotid Stenting

Carotid Stenting

An invasive X-ray imaging procedure used to detect the presence of narrowing or blockage (atherosclerosis) in the carotid arteries.

Electrophysiology Study

An invasive procedure that records the electrical activity of your heart.

Intravascular Ultrasound

An invasive procedure, performed along with cardiac catheterization; a miniature sound probe (transducer) on the tip of a coronary catheter is threaded through the coronary arteries and, using high-frequency sound waves, produces detailed images of the interior walls of the arteries.

Myocardial Biopsy

An invasive procedure that involves using a bioptome (a small catheter with a grasping device on the end) to obtain a small piece of heart muscle tissue that is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

This information is about testing and procedures and may include instructions specific to Cleveland Clinic.
Please consult your physician for information pertaining to your testing


Talk to a Nurse: Mon. - Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (ET)

Call a Heart & Vascular Nurse locally 216.445.9288 or toll-free 866.289.6911.

Schedule an Appointment

Toll-free 800.659.7822

This information is provided by Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.

© Copyright 2012 Cleveland Clinic. All rights reserved.

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