Interventional Cardiology
At Temple Health Hospital, our Interventional Cardiology department offers advanced, minimally invasive procedures for diagnosing and treating a range of heart conditions. Our team of highly skilled interventional cardiologists utilizes cutting-edge technology and innovative techniques to provide effective treatments with shorter recovery times.
Overview of Interventional Cardiology Services
Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, restoring blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Procedure: A catheter with a small balloon at its tip is inserted into the narrowed artery. The balloon is inflated to widen the artery, and a stent (a small mesh tube) may be placed to keep the artery open.
- Recovery and Outcomes: Most patients experience a quick recovery and significant relief from symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath. Angioplasty can reduce the risk of heart attack and improve overall heart function.
Stenting
Stenting involves placing a stent in a coronary artery to keep it open and ensure continuous blood flow.
- Procedure: During angioplasty, a stent is delivered to the blocked area via a balloon catheter. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, expanding the stent which remains in the artery permanently to maintain patency.
- Benefits: Stents significantly reduce the risk of the artery re-narrowing and help prevent future cardiac events, providing long-term relief from symptoms.
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic procedure that provides detailed information about the functioning of the heart and the presence of coronary artery disease.
- Procedure: A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart. Contrast dye is injected through the catheter, and X-ray images are taken to identify blockages or abnormalities.
- Uses: This procedure helps determine the necessity for treatments like angioplasty, stenting, or surgery.
Advanced Imaging Techniques
Our interventional cardiology services are supported by state-of-the-art imaging technologies, ensuring precise diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
- Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS): Provides detailed images of the interior of blood vessels, helping to assess the severity of blockages.
- Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR): Measures pressure differences across a coronary artery stenosis to evaluate the need for intervention.
Structural Heart Interventions
In addition to coronary interventions, we offer advanced treatments for structural heart diseases.
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): A minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly.
- Mitral Valve Repair: Minimally invasive techniques to repair a leaking mitral valve, improving heart function and symptoms.