What is an interventional cardiologist?

Interventional cardiology is a subspecialty of cardiovascular medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease through the use of minimally invasive procedures. Interventional cardiologists are specially trained to perform these procedures, which are often used to treat conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, and congenital heart defects.

Some of the procedures that interventional cardiologists perform include:

- Coronary angiography: A procedure in which a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery in the arm or leg and threaded to the heart. Dye is injected through the catheter to visualize the coronary arteries and identify any blockages.

- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI): A procedure in which a balloon is inflated inside a narrowed coronary artery to widen it. A stent may also be placed to help keep the artery open.

- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): A procedure in which a new aortic valve is implanted through a catheter inserted into the heart.

- Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR): A procedure in which a new pulmonary valve is implanted through a catheter inserted into the heart.

- Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure: A procedure in which a device is implanted to close a hole in the heart between the atria (upper chambers of the heart).

- Ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure: A procedure in which a device is implanted to close a hole in the heart between the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart).

Interventional cardiologists work closely with other members of the cardiovascular team, including cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and nurses. They are trained to provide comprehensive care to patients with heart disease, including diagnosing and treating their condition, managing their risk factors, and providing education and support.