Interventional Cardiology
Interventional cardiology is a subspecialty of cardiology involving minimally
invasive procedures to diagnose and treat a variety of heart and vascular
diseases. Interventional cardiology procedures are done in a cardiac catheterization
lab by heart specialists called interventional cardiologists. Interventional
cardiologists diagnose and treat:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disease
- Congenital heart disease
- Vascular disease
Interventional cardiology procedures may include the following:
Coronary angiography: a procedure that uses a special dye and x-rays to see how blood flows
through your heart.
Angioplasty: a procedure to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels that supply blood
to the heart (coronary arteries).
Heart stent insertion: A heart stent is a tiny tube placed into an artery to hold the artery
open. It is normally placed inside a coronary artery following balloon
angioplasty.
Radial cardiac catheterization: This is a special type of cardiac catheterization in which the catheter
is inserted through an artery in your wrist rather than other areas such
as the groin.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI, formerly known as angioplasty with stent) is a non-surgical procedure
that uses a catheter (a thin flexible tube) to place a small structure
called a stent to open up blood vessels in the heart that have been narrowed
by plaque buildup, a condition known as atherosclerosis. PCI improves
blood flow, thus decreasing heart-related chest pain (angina), making
you feel better and increasing your ability to be active. PCI is usually
scheduled ahead of time.
If you are referred to CaroMont Health, you'll be assigned an attending
cardiologist who will become the key contact for you, your family and
your referring physician. Your cardiologist will stay in close communication
with you and your primary care provider to provide a comprehensive and
personalized approach to care.