Our highly trained cardiologists, electrophysiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons and vascular specialists are experienced in performing a wide range of surgical treatments for heart conditions. CHRISTUS Health is here to provide the best interventional cardiology care, from stent placement to angioplasty to various catheterization lab procedures.
Our experienced team, combined with the state-of-the-art technology and facilities available now at CHRISTUS Health, assure you of our dedication to quality, patient safety and compassionate care.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a heart condition, you may encounter healthcare specialists and treatment options that are new to you. Cardiologists generally focus on heart health, but there are many sub-specialties, such as interventional cardiology.
Interventional cardiologists are heart experts who specialize in minimally invasive procedures that diagnose and treat several types of cardiovascular disease and heart conditions.
These procedures involve making tiny cuts in the skin and threading a thin tube called a catheter into the incision. The catheter is then guided through the blood vessels to the site of the problem. Real-time imaging technology is often used to help guide the catheter to the correct location.
The exact type of catheter-based procedure depends on the diagnosed or treated condition.
The first sign of coronary artery disease is often a heart attack. That is not the only symptom you may experience. Other heart problems have signs and symptoms that you should investigate. You may need a heart test if you experience the following:
While these symptoms can be short-lived and not dangerous, they may indicate heart disease. If caused by an arrhythmia, valve disorder, or coronary artery disease, they can be dangerous and even deadly. A heart test gets to the bottom of the issue so you can protect your most important muscle.
Take our heart assessment to see if you are at risk of heart disease.
Cardiac catheterization is the most common interventional cardiology procedure. In fact, it is one of the most common of all heart surgeries. According to Stat Pearls, surgeons perform more than 1 million cardiac catheterizations annually in America. However, there are several other cardiac catheter-based procedures. Surgeons can attach tools to the tip of the catheter and pass devices through it into your body. These operations aim to improve your cardiac health and function.
Along with cardiac catheterization, other interventional cardiology procedures commonly prescribed include:
Patients experiencing difficulties with proper blood flow to arteries in the heart may be recommended by their physician to have an angioplasty. The purpose of this procedure is to rebuild coronary artery blood flow within the narrowed artery.
A calcium score test (calcium scoring) is a noninvasive, low-risk heart scan used to find out more about your risk of heart disease. Along with other tests, such as blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol screenings, calcium scoring can be an important tool for your heart health.
Heart attacks can vary in severity, with some survivors suffering only minor, short-term complications while others experience long-term effects. Regardless of the severity of your heart attack, you should treat it as a warning sign and take steps to reduce your risk for heart disease and future heart attacks.
If you have heart-related symptoms or your physician suspects a heart problem based on signs, risk factors or tests, your doctor might need to take a look inside your heart with a procedure called cardiac catheterization.
We provide a high level of care for adults with congenital heart disease. Our expert team of cardiologists work to ensure that patients with heart problems receive support and resources for long-term management and improved quality of life.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a serious condition affecting more than 6 million American adults. The hearts of people with CHF cannot pump enough blood to supply the body’s needs.
TAVR is best suited for patients who are not ideal candidates for traditional heart-valve replacement procedures.
Minimally invasive interventional cardiology tests include:
Cardiologists and interventional cardiologists care for a variety of cardiac conditions. When your condition may respond to catheter-based therapies, your PCP will refer you to an interventional cardiologist.
Conditions that respond well to interventional cardiology services include:
