Useful Respiratory Maneuvers Aiding Left Heart Cardiac Catheterization and Intervention. A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Left heart catheterizations, coronary angiography, and coronary interventions are important common cardiac procedures. Performing a successful cardiac catheterization and intervention and proper catheterization and device delivery is not always without difficulties, especially in the context of calcification or vessel tortuosity. Although there are some techniques to overcome these issues, performing respiratory maneuvers (inspiration or expiration) can be simply tried as the first step to increase successful procedures which is underreported and underutilized. The goal of this article is to review current literature regarding useful respiratory maneuvers that can aid left heart cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, and intervention for a successful procedure.