Interventional Coronary Specialist

What are interventional coronary procedures?

Interventional coronary procedures are a way of treating heart problems without using traditional surgical techniques. 

Your provider at Apex Cardiology Consultants might perform an interventional coronary procedure if you have a deteriorating heart condition or one that isn't responding to lifestyle modifications and medication.

Heart conditions that are treatable using interventional coronary procedures include:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Congestive heart failure
• Arrhythmia
• Angina (chest pain)

Interventional coronary procedures also play a role in helping to prevent strokes and heart attacks.

How are interventional coronary procedures performed?

Interventional coronary procedures use cardiac catheterization techniques. Your provider at Apex Cardiology Consultants inserts a narrow, hollow tube (the catheter) into one of the large blood vessels going to your heart. 

They use imaging techniques such as vascular ultrasound and fluoroscopy (moving X-rays) to view the catheter's progress. Once the catheter is in place, your provider can see if there are any abnormalities and identify problems that require further intervention.

What interventional coronary procedures might I need?

The specific interventional coronary procedure you require depends on the aim of your treatment. Some of the procedures Apex Cardiology Consultants performs include:

Balloon angioplasty

Balloon angioplasty involves inserting the catheter, fitted with a deflated balloon at its end, into your artery. Your provider then inflates the balloon once it's in position. The inflated balloon flattens plaque build-up on the coronary artery walls, enabling blood to flow more freely.

Stent placement

Stent placement usually takes place during balloon angioplasty. Your provider adds a mesh tube called a stent to the catheter and places it in the treated artery to keep the blood vessel open. Stents reduce the risk of further blockages occurring.

Laser angioplasty

Laser angioplasty involves fitting a laser to the catheter before inserting it into your artery. The laser uses pulsing beams of light to clear arterial blockages.

Pacemaker placement

A pacemaker is an implantable device with a tiny battery-powered generator connected to your heart through wires. It creates electrical impulses that stimulate your heart and helps it beat in a more regular rhythm.

Defibrillator implantation

Another implantable device is the defibrillator, which often has a built-in pacemaker. The defibrillator has single or double leads that deliver an electric shock to your heart when the device identifies any life-threatening arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). 

A subcutaneous defibrillator goes under your skin and is a less invasive option as there's no lead inside your heart.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy

Cardiac resynchronization therapy or biventricular pacing helps to improve heart function if you're suffering from heart failure. During this interventional coronary procedure, your provider at Apex Cardiology Consultants implants a small pacemaker, typically just below the collarbone.

Laser lead extraction

Laser lead extraction is a procedure for removing pacemaker and defibrillator leads that aren't working properly or are infected.

To benefit from the expertise of Apex Cardiology Consultants in interventional coronary procedures, call the office today or book an appointment online.