Interventional Cardiology

Interventional cardiology is a branch of cardiology that deals specifically with catheter-based treatment of structural heart diseases.

These procedures are done in a cardiac catheterization lab by heart specialists called interventional cardiologists. Interventional cardiologists diagnose and treat:

• Congenital heart disease
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart valve disease
• Vascular disease

Interventional cardiology procedures may include the following:

Angioplasty: a procedure to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels that supply blood to the heart (coronary arteries).

Coronary Angiography: a procedure that uses a special dye and x-rays to see how blood flows through your heart.

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.

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.

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.

If you are referred to St. Mary’s, you'll be assigned an attending cardiologist who will become the point of contact for you, your family and your referring physician. Working closely with you and your primary care provider, your cardiologist will provide a comprehensive and personalized approach to care.