Interventional Cardiology
In some cases, heart disease can be treated using minimally invasive interventional cardiology techniques that use a catheter (thin, flexible tube) inserted into the arteries. The catheter is guided to the heart to open blocked arteries and improve blood flow. These advanced techniques are performed on an outpatient basis and offer a non-surgical alternative to treat many heart conditions.
Interventional cardiology begins in the cardiac catheterization lab with a skilled cardiac team and it involves diagnostic procedures as well as interventional procedures.
Diagnostic procedures involve images of the heart, while interventional procedures deal with opening blockages in the arteries to allow better blood flow.
Angioplasty is a type of interventional procedure that offers certain patients heart disease treatment without surgery. Stent placement, during interventional procedures, is another option that can be done during angioplasty to help keep the coronary artery open.
The interventional cardiology program allows us to remove blockages without opening the chest, which may mean a faster recovery and less trauma or anxiety for patients.