An Overview of a Heart Biopsy from an AZ Cardiologist
A heart biopsy is also called a myocardial biopsy or cardiac biopsy. This is an invasive procedure done by a cardiologist to detect heart disease. The doctor uses a bioptome (small grasping device) to obtain a tiny piece of the heart muscle. The heart biopsy can be done to assess for myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or other cardiac conditions.
Why the Test is Done
A heart biopsy is done following a heart transplantation to evaluate for signs of rejection. Cardiomyopathy is a weakening of the heart muscle that causes the heart to not pump adequately. There are numerous forms of cardiomyopathy. Your doctor may also do this test if you have any indications of:
- Alcoholic cardiomyopathy – This is cardiomyopathy that results from chronic alcohol consumption.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy – A condition where the heart is weak and the chambers enlarge.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – Also called HCM, this condition is where the heart muscle gets thick and blood cannot leave the heart.
- Peripartum cardiomyopathy – During pregnancy, this form of cardiomyopathy can occur and persist for several months after delivery.
- Idopathic cardiomyopathy
- Ischemic cardiomyopathy – With this form of cardiomyopathy, the arteries are narrow, and the heart wall is thin.
- Restrictive cardiomyopathy – When the heart chambers are not able to fill with blood due to stiff heart muscle, it causes the restrictive form of cardiomyopathy.
- Cardiac amyloidosis – This is a disorder caused by deposits of an abnormal protein called amyloid in the heart tissue.
- Myocarditis – This is inflammation of the heart muscle.
Before the Test
The biopsy is done at the hospital as an outpatient procedure by a Phoenix cardiologist. Before the test, consider the following:
- Clothing and Valuables – The day you come in for your test, be sure to wear comfortable clothes, but leave all valuables at home.
- Prescription Medications – Ask your doctor about what medications you should or should not take before the procedure.
- Other Medications – Be sure to tell the doctor about any over the counter or herbal medicines you are taking. If you have diabetes, ask the doctor how to adjust your medications.
- Fasting – Also, you cannot eat or drink 8 hours before the test.
- Driver – Additionally, have someone to drive you home after the procedure.
During the Test
The doctor will explain the risks of the procedure and discuss the details with you. After you change into a hospital gown, a nurse will put an intravenous line in your arm for fluids and medications. You lie on your back during the test, and a mild sedative will help you relax.
The catheter is inserted into a small incision of your neck. The area will be numbed with a local anesthetic so that you do not feel anything. The plastic introducer sheath is inserted through the vessel and guided into the heart. The bioptome goes through the sheath and fluoroscopy x-rays are used to visualize the area.
The doctor collects the tissue sample and removes the sheath and catheter. A nurse will apply pressure to the insertion site to stop bleeding. This procedure takes around 60 minutes to perform and you go to recovery for an additional two hours.
The Results
The tissue sample goes to a pathologist for evaluation. Once the results are back, the doctor will discuss these with you. If the results are “negative,” then your heart tissue is normal. If the results are “positive,” this indicates that a cause for heart failure or damage was found.
Risks and Complications of a Heart Biopsy
As with any cardiac procedure, the heart biopsy has a few risks and complications. While these are minimal, they can include:
- Excessive or prolonged bleeding
- Aggravation of an arrhythmia
- Puncture of a vein
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Pneumothorax
- Heart rupture (rare)
- Tricuspid regurgitation
AZ Heart Doctor offers a Double Board Certified cardiologist Mesa AZ and the East Valley trusts and respects. Dr. Batres is highly skilled and compassionate, offering individualized care to his patients. Most insurance is accepted.
Call (480) 300-4646 today!
Resources
Medline Plus (2013). Myocardial Biopsy. Retrieved from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003873.htm
WebMD (2012). Heart Disease and the Heart Biopsy. Retrieved from:
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