Interventional/Non-Invasive Cardiology
Procedures

DIAGNOSTIC HEART CATHETERIZATION

Diagnostic heart catheterization, also known as coronary angiography, is a procedure used to diagnose heart conditions by visualizing the coronary arteries and heart chambers. It involves inserting a catheter through a blood vessel in the groin or arm and guiding it to the heart, where contrast dye is injected to create detailed X-ray images. This procedure is often required to identify blockages, assess heart function, and diagnose conditions like coronary artery disease. The treatment typically takes 1 to 2 hours, and patients usually stay in the hospital for a few hours to a day for observation.

PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION (PCI)

Percutaneous coronary intervention, commonly known as angioplasty, is a procedure used to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries to improve blood flow to the heart. A catheter with a balloon or stent is inserted through a blood vessel and guided to the blockage, where the balloon is inflated to widen the artery, and a stent may be placed to keep it open. PCI is often required for patients with coronary artery disease, angina, or those who have had a heart attack. The procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours, and patients usually stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days.

CORONARY SHOCKWAVE LITHOTRIPSY

Coronary shockwave lithotripsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat calcified coronary artery blockages that are difficult to treat with traditional angioplasty. It involves using high-frequency sound waves to break up calcium deposits, allowing for better expansion of the artery and placement of a stent. This procedure is often required for patients with severe calcification in their coronary arteries, which can be a result of advanced atherosclerosis. The treatment typically takes 1 to 2 hours, and patients usually stay in the hospital for a day or two.

CHRONIC TOTAL OCCLUSION (CTO)

Chronic total occlusion is a condition where a coronary artery is completely blocked for more than three months, often requiring a specialized procedure to restore blood flow. CTO interventions involve advanced techniques such as using guidewires, balloons, and stents to navigate and open the blocked artery. This procedure is necessary for patients with persistent chest pain, reduced heart function, or those who have not responded to other treatments. The treatment can take several hours, and patients typically stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days.

PERIPHERAL VASCULAR - DIAGNOSTIC AND INTERVENTIONAL

Peripheral vascular diagnostic and interventional procedures are used to diagnose and treat blockages in the arteries outside the heart, such as those in the legs, arms, and kidneys. Diagnostic procedures involve inserting a catheter to inject contrast dye and create X-ray images, while interventional procedures may include angioplasty, stent placement, or atherectomy to open blocked arteries. These procedures are often required for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), which can cause pain, numbness, and reduced mobility. The treatment typically takes 1 to 2 hours, and patients usually stay in the hospital for a day or two.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE STRESS TEST

A nuclear medicine stress test is a diagnostic procedure used to assess blood flow to the heart muscle during rest and stress. It involves injecting a small amount of radioactive tracer into the bloodstream and using a special camera to capture images of the heart. This test is often required to diagnose coronary artery disease, assess the effectiveness of treatments, and evaluate heart function. The entire process, including preparation, stress testing, and imaging, can take 3 to 4 hours, and patients are usually monitored for a short period afterward.

CARDIAC AND VASCULAR ULTRASOUND
(CARDIAC ECHOCARDIOGRAM)

A cardiac and vascular ultrasound, or echocardiogram, is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart and blood vessels. This procedure is often required to diagnose conditions such as heart valve disorders, heart failure, and blood clots. It can also assess blood flow and heart function. The test typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, and patients can usually return home immediately afterward, with no hospital stay required.