Interventional Cardiologist Procedures

Interventional cardiologists use minimally invasive, non-surgical procedures in their treatment of heart disease. According to Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, interventional cardiologists use catheters to diagnose and treat cardiac problems caused by diseases of the coronary arteries and heart valves.

Testing

• Cardiology at St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals states that, prior to treatment, a diagnosis of the heart problem is made through cardiac catheterization. This procedure involves the insertion of a thin tube, or catheter, into a blood vessel in the groin or arm. The tube is threaded through the blood vessel until it reaches your heart. It may also be used to examine your carotid arteries. The catheter can be used to locate plaque deposits, check blood pressure, and determine the strength of your heart muscle and heart valves. It is also used to inject dyes into an artery to enable your cardiologist to locate any arterial narrowing or blockages and to check valvular function.

Heart Diseases Treated

• As stated on Cardiology Channel website, coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque. Plaque accumulation leads to a narrowing of the arteries with a subsequent reduction in the amount of blood and oxygen being pumped through the heart muscle. Some of the symptoms of CAD are shortness of breath, angina and heart attack.

  Heart valve disease interferes with the blood flow to the heart chambers and throughout the body. It can be caused by heart attack, birth defects, rheumatic fever, infection and as a normal part of aging. Symptoms of this problem are heart murmur, shortness of breath, chest pain and swelling of the legs and ankles, according to the Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital.

  Peripheral vascular disease, also known a peripheral artery disease (PAD), is caused by atherosclerosis. It affects blood flow to arteries in the legs, arms, head and organs. PAD can be the cause of a heart attack or stroke, and may result in the amputation of a limb.

Procedures

• Your specific heart problem, and the extent of damage involved, will determine which of the following procedures your interventional cardiologist will use.

  Angioplasty and stents: Angioplasty involves the insertion of a catheter through an incision in the leg or wrist and threading it through a blood vessel into the artery that has been narrowed by plaque buildup. A balloon at the tip of the catheter is then inflated to crush the plaque against the artery wall. This widens the artery, enabling an increase in blood flow. This procedure is especially beneficial when used to open the carotid arteries, which are the main source of blood flow to the brain.

  According to the Cardiology Channel, 70 percent of patients receiving angioplasties also require stenting. A stent is a small metal cylinder placed over the balloon used for angioplasty. When the balloon is inflated, the stent, which is collapsed for insertion, opens up to serve as a reinforcement for the artery walls. The stent is left permanently in place, and within a few weeks is covered over by the growth of arterial tissue.

  Embolic protection: During cardiology procedures involving areas narrowed by plaque, pieces can break free and cause stroke. This risk is dealt with by using filters to trap the plaque particles.

  Damaged valves: Catheters are used in a procedure known as percutaneous valve repair. The catheter guides devices such as clips to the location of the damage. When the clip is inserted and the repair completed, normal blood flow is re-established in the damaged heart valve.

  Narrow valves Heart valves narrowed by diseases such as rheumatic fever or congenital defect can be repaired with a balloon valvuloplasty. During this procedure, a catheter with a deflated balloon at its tip is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the location of the narrowed valve. The balloon is then inflated to stretch the opening of the valve.

  Plaque removal: The Cardiology Channel lists two means of plaque removal. Using a catheter, a rotary shaver can be inserted and threaded through a blood vessel to the location of the plaque. The shaver is then used to scrape away the plaque that has accumulated within the artery. Plaque can also be removed by vaporization using a laser catheter.