Interventional cardiology
Interventional Cardiology is a subspecialty of cardiology that focuses on catheter-based treatments of cardiovascular diseases. Interventional cardiologists perform non-surgical procedures to treat various cardiovascular issues, often using diagnostic imaging and other advanced technologies.
Overview[edit]
Interventional Cardiology uses catheter-based strategies, such as angioplasty and stenting, to unblock or repair blood vessels that supply the heart, thereby improving blood flow and relieving symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Procedures[edit]
Common procedures performed by interventional cardiologists include:
- Coronary Angiography: Using contrast dye and x-rays to check for blockages in the coronary arteries.
- Angioplasty and Stent Placement: Widening narrowed or blocked coronary arteries and placing a stent to keep them open.
- Atherectomy: Removing plaque from the arteries.
- Balloon Valvuloplasty: Widening a heart valve that is narrowed.
- Percutaneous Valve Repair: Repairing or replacing heart valves through a catheter.
Diagnosis[edit]
Interventional cardiology also involves diagnosing cardiovascular conditions using non-invasive techniques like echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cardiac computed tomography (CT) scans.
Treatment[edit]
The goal of interventional cardiology procedures is to treat various heart conditions without the need for surgery. It can address issues such as:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Including acute coronary syndrome, stable angina, and myocardial infarction.
- Vascular Disease: Such as peripheral arterial disease and carotid artery stenosis.
- Acquired Structural Heart Disease: Including conditions like atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovale.
Training[edit]
Physicians practicing in this field have completed a cardiology fellowship, with additional training in interventional techniques.
Advancements[edit]
Innovations in interventional cardiology continue to expand the range of conditions that can be treated, with ongoing research into new methods and devices.
Find a cardiologist (world)[edit]
Need help finding a Interventional cardiologist in the United States?
See Also[edit]
- Cardiovascular disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Catheterization laboratory
- Atherosclerosis
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding the page. |
| Tests and procedures involving the heart | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
