Skip to content

Upcoming changes to UnitedHealthcare coverage.

Catheter placement in a coronary artery

Top of the page

Catheter placement in a coronary artery

Catheter insertion sites at wrist and groin, showing catheter inserted at groin to heart, with detail of catheter in coronary artery.

A thin, soft tube called a catheter is used for coronary angiogram and angioplasty procedures. Your doctor inserts the catheter into a blood vessel in the wrist or groin. The doctor carefully guides the catheter through blood vessels into the coronary arteries of the heart. Your doctor uses an X-ray screen to watch the movement of the catheter in the blood vessels.

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff
Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. WebMD Ignite, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about WebMD Ignite, visit webmdignite.com.

© 2024-2026 WebMD Ignite.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. WebMD Ignite, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

NOTICE: This health information was not created by Columbia University Irving Medical Center and may not necessarily reflect specific CUIMC practices. For medical advice to your personal condition, please consult your doctor. Medical advice disclaimer.