ABSTRACT
Introduction Over the last 30 years, the complexity of percutaneous diagnostic and therapeutic techniques involving the heart and circulation has increased worldwide. These procedures are carried out not only by the cardiologist, but also by radiologists, anaesthetists, surgeons and physicians, with varied levels of experience. Procedures commonly involve insertion of temporary or permanent pacing electrodes and central venous lines or catheters. These are carried out in general on cardiac surgical intensive-care units and coronary care units, for drug administration and haemodynamic monitoring. Moreover, subcutaneously implanted long-term intravenous cannulae, such as Hickman lines, have proved useful for treating various conditions. Catheter-based coronary diagnostic and interventional procedures have also become widely practised and more recently intracoronary stenting has been introduced to help deal with the acute complications of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and to reduce restenosis rates.
