CARDIOLOGY : Invasive Procedures
Coronary Angiography
Coronary angiography is a vital diagnostic procedure used to visualize the coronary arteries and assess blood flow to the heart. During this minimally invasive test, a contrast dye is injected into the coronary arteries, and X-ray imaging captures real-time images. This technique helps identify blockages, narrowing, or other abnormalities that can lead to heart disease. Coronary angiography is often performed when patients exhibit symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. By providing crucial information about coronary artery health, this procedure aids healthcare professionals in determining appropriate treatment options, including angioplasty, stenting, or coronary artery bypass surgery.
Coronary Angioplasty
Coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, restoring blood flow to the heart. During the procedure, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into the affected artery, and a small balloon is inflated to widen the artery. Often, a stent—a tiny mesh tube—is placed to keep the artery open. This intervention is typically performed on patients experiencing angina or those who have suffered a heart attack. By improving blood flow, coronary angioplasty can significantly enhance heart function and reduce the risk of further cardiovascular issues, offering patients a better quality of life.
Carotid Angiograhygiography
Carotid angiography is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. Using a contrast dye injected through a catheter, X-ray imaging captures detailed pictures of these arteries, revealing any blockages, narrowing, or abnormalities. This procedure is crucial for assessing stroke risk and planning treatments, such as carotid endarterectomy or stenting. By identifying issues early, carotid angiography helps healthcare providers make informed decisions to prevent stroke and promote overall vascular health, ensuring better outcomes for patients at risk of cerebrovascular events.
Peripmeral & Angioplasty
Peripheral angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat narrowed or blocked peripheral arteries, which supply blood to the limbs. During the procedure, a catheter with a balloon is inserted into the affected artery, and the balloon is inflated to widen the artery, restoring blood flow. Often, a stent is placed to keep the artery open. This treatment is particularly beneficial for patients experiencing claudication or limb ischemia. By improving circulation, peripheral angioplasty can alleviate symptoms, enhance mobility, and significantly improve quality of life for individuals with peripheral artery disease.
Pacemaker or AICD Implant
Pacemaker and Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD) implants are essential devices used to manage heart rhythm disorders.
A pacemaker is a small device that helps regulate a slow or irregular heartbeat by sending electrical signals to the heart. It’s commonly used for conditions like bradycardia, ensuring the heart maintains a proper rhythm and adequate blood flow.
An AICD is designed for patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. It continuously monitors heart rhythm and delivers shocks when necessary to restore a normal heartbeat, preventing sudden cardiac arrest.
Both implants enhance patient safety and improve quality of life by effectively managing heart conditions.
Valvuloplasty
Valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat narrowed heart valves, improving blood flow and heart function. During the procedure, a catheter with a balloon is inserted into the affected valve and inflated to widen the valve opening. This technique is commonly performed on patients with mitral or aortic valve stenosis. Valvuloplasty can alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain, and it often serves as a bridge to further surgical intervention if needed. By restoring normal blood flow, valvuloplasty enhances overall cardiac function and improves the quality of life for patients with valvular heart disease.
Percutaneous Device Closure
Percutaneous device closure is a minimally invasive procedure used to repair structural heart defects, such as atrial septal defects (ASD) or patent foramen ovale (PFO). During the procedure, a catheter is inserted through a small incision, usually in the groin, and guided to the heart. A specialized device is deployed to seal the defect, allowing normal blood flow while preventing shunting between heart chambers. This technique offers a safer alternative to open-heart surgery, with reduced recovery time and minimal scarring. By effectively closing these defects, percutaneous device closure enhances heart function and reduces the risk of complications, improving patient outcomes.
Electro Physiological Study
Electrophysiological study (EPS) is a specialized procedure used to diagnose and evaluate abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias. During EPS, thin catheters are inserted through blood vessels into the heart to record electrical activity and identify the source of arrhythmias. This study helps determine the mechanism of the abnormal rhythm and guides treatment options, including medication, catheter ablation, or implantable devices. EPS is invaluable for assessing risks and tailoring therapies for patients with palpitations, syncope, or other symptoms of arrhythmias, ultimately enhancing cardiac care and improving quality of life.
Radio Frequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat various cardiac arrhythmias. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the heart through a blood vessel and guided to the area causing the abnormal electrical signals. High-frequency radio waves generate heat, which destroys the problematic tissue, restoring normal heart rhythm. RFA is commonly used for conditions like atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia. The procedure typically results in shorter recovery times and less discomfort compared to traditional surgery. By effectively managing arrhythmias, radiofrequency ablation improves patient outcomes and enhances overall quality of life.