Interventional Cardiology

Interventional cardiology services encompass a range of minimally invasive procedures designed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions. These procedures are typically performed by interventional cardiologists who specialize in using catheters and other small instruments to access and treat the heart and blood vessels. Here is a summary of interventional cardiology services:

1. Cardiac Catheterization:

   • Purpose: To diagnose and assess the extent of heart disease.
   • Procedure: A catheter is inserted into blood vessels (usually through the groin or wrist) and guided to the heart. Contrast dye is injected to visualize blood flow and identify blockages.

2. Angioplasty (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention – PCI):

   • Purpose: To open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.
   • Procedure: A balloon-tipped catheter is inflated to widen the artery, often followed by the placement of a stent to keep the vessel open.

3. Coronary Stent Placement:

   • Purpose: To maintain blood flow in a previously narrowed or blocked coronary artery.
   • Procedure: A stent, a small mesh tube, is placed at the site of a blockage to provide structural support and prevent re-narrowing.

4. Atherectomy:

   • Purpose: To remove plaque buildup from blood vessels.
   • Procedure: A specialized catheter with a cutting or grinding device is used to shave or remove atherosclerotic plaque.

5. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Interventions:

   • Purpose: To treat blockages or narrowing in arteries outside the heart, often in the legs.
   • Procedures: Similar to coronary interventions, including angioplasty and stent placement.

6. Structural Heart Interventions:

   • Purpose: To treat abnormalities or defects within the heart’s structures.
   • Procedures: Includes transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), transcatheter mitral valve repair, and closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) or patent foramen ovale (PFO).

7. Electrophysiology Procedures:

   • Purpose: To address arrhythmias and abnormal heart rhythms.
   • Procedures: Includes catheter ablation to eliminate abnormal electrical pathways, implantation of pacemakers or defibrillators, and left atrial appendage closure.

Interventional cardiology services offer less invasive alternatives to traditional open-heart surgery, reducing recovery times and complications. These procedures play a crucial role in managing and treating a variety of cardiovascular conditions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.