[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In order to diagnose and/or treat some heart conditions, a catheter (long, thing, flexible tube) is inserted into a blood vessel through a patient’s arm, groin or neck and threaded to the patient’s heart allowing the doctor to perform diagnostic tests and treatment on the patient’s heart. This procedure is known as cardiac catheterization.A special type of dye (contrast dye) is carried through the catheter and flows through the patient’s bloodstream to the patient’s heart making the arteries of the heart more visible on x-ray pictures. This test is called coronary angiography. A cardiologist in a hospital performs cardiac catheterization with the use of contrast dye while the patient is awake.
Anaphylactoid reaction is a severe allergic reaction to the contrast dye. Patients at risk of having an allergic reaction to the contrast dye are defined in two main categories: patients who have had a prior reaction to the dye and patients with allergies. Of those patients who have had a prior reaction to the dye, 16-44% of them have a recurring reaction. Patients who suffer from allergies such as asthma, eczema, rhinitis, hypertrophic sinusitis, vernal conjunctivitis and migraines are twice as likely to have a reaction to contrast dye as patients without allergies. It is important that these two main categories of patients be considered for appropriate pretreatment in order to prevent, diagnose and treat an allergic reaction prior to cardiac catheterization with the use of contrast dye.
An anaphylactoid reaction is not dose related and is not always immediate. Moderate and severe anaphylactoid reaction compromise the cardiovascular and respiratory system and can cause respiratory failure or vascular collapse. Patients who present with anaphylactoid reaction may require intubation, the insertion of a tube into the mouth down into the trachea to assist the patient with breathing, or even a tracheostomy, an incision in the neck through to the trachea allowing for the insertion of a tube to assist the patient with breathing.
If your or someone you know has suffered an anaphylactoid reaction due to cardiac catheterization with the use of contrast dye, contact Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer Phil Berenz today for a free consultation or perhaps second opinion at https://www.counseloroffices.net/contact-us/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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