Interventional Cardiology
Interventional cardiology offers advanced, minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions without the need for traditional open-heart surgery.
At HeartCare Texas, our expert team of interventional cardiologists utilizes state-of-the-art technology to perform procedures such as angioplasty, stent placement, and catheter-based interventions. These cutting-edge treatments not only provide effective solutions for various cardiovascular issues but also ensure shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and lower risks of complications.
What is interventional cardiology?
Interventional cardiology is a subspecialty within cardiology that focuses on non-surgical, catheter-based treatment techniques to diagnose and treat a variety of heart conditions.
These conditions include coronary artery disease, valvular disease, congenital heart defects, and structural heart disease. Interventional cardiologists utilize specialized diagnostic and imaging techniques to measure blood pressure and flow in major arteries and heart chambers.
What does an interventional cardiologist do?
An interventional cardiologist specializes in catheter-based techniques rather than traditional open-heart surgery. They use advanced diagnostic and imaging methods to evaluate and treat cardiovascular conditions. By measuring blood pressure and flow in major arteries and heart chambers, they can accurately diagnose and address heart issues.
Why may you need interventional cardiology services?
The causes leading to the need for interventional cardiology treatments include:
- Arrhythmia
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Heart valve disorder
- Congenital heart defects
- Aortic aneurysms
- Carotid artery disease
- Peripheral artery disease
Symptoms that might necessitate interventional cardiology treatments can vary depending on the specific heart condition, but common symptoms include:
- Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
- Dizziness or fainting
What are the benefits of interventional cardiology?
Interventional cardiology at HeartCare Texas ensures effective treatment with reduced recovery time and fewer risks, providing patients with a safer and more comfortable alternative to traditional heart surgery. Some more benefits are:
- Lower heart attack risk: These procedures frequently involve opening blocked arteries, enhancing blood flow, and significantly lowering the risk of heart attacks.
- Minimal pain and scarring: The small incision used in these procedures heals with minimal pain and scarring, offering a more comfortable recovery compared to open-heart surgeries.
- Quicker recovery: Interventional cardiology procedures generally take less time than open surgery and allow for much faster recovery. Patients often return home the same day or the next day.
- Fewer complications: The less invasive nature of catheter-based procedures makes them particularly suitable for high-risk patients, such as the elderly and those with multiple health conditions, due to a lower risk of complications.
Interventional cardiology at HeartCare Texas
At HeartCare Texas, interventional cardiology treatments involve:
- Placing stents in clogged arteries to restore proper blood flow.
- Repairing holes in the heart to reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
- Positioning devices within the heart to ensure they function correctly.
Our interventional cardiologists at HeartCare Texas are skilled in performing these complex, delicate procedures, often providing life-saving or life-enhancing outcomes for patients referred to them with severe heart or blood vessel issues.
What are the risks for interventional cardiology?
- Bleeding and infection at the catheter insertion site
- Potential blood vessel damage due to the catheter or other instruments
- Allergic reactions to the contrast dye used during imaging
- Blood clots forming in the catheter
- Kidney damage
- Radiation exposure due to procedures involving imaging techniques
- Re-narrowing of arteries (restenosis)
- Heart attack or stroke
At HeartCare Texas, our team of skilled interventional cardiologists takes every precaution to minimize these risks. Before any procedure, we thoroughly evaluate each patient’s health and medical history to tailor the treatment plan and mitigate potential risks. Your safety and well-being are always our top priorities.