Additional procedures

This chapter considers additional cardiac procedures that primary operators and team members in the cardiac catheterization laboratory will need an understanding of. This includes emergency interventions such as pericardiocentesis for pericardial tamponade, temporary pacemaker implantation for complete heart block, and cardioversion or defibrillation for cardiac arrhythmias. The chapter describes circulatory support with mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and Impella® devices, and discusses the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Information is also included on how to perform endomyocardial biopsies. The chapter is fully illustrated with schematic diagrams as well as information on indications, contraindications, and methods for each procedure.