Interventional Cardiology
Interventional cardiology is a way of checking and fixing heart problems without doing big surgeries. Instead of making large cuts, doctors use tiny tubes called catheters that go through your blood vessels, kind of like really thin IVs.
An interventional cardiologist is a doctor who’s super skilled in using small tools to check and treat heart and blood vessel issues. They don’t do open-heart surgeries but rather work with other heart specialists to find the best treatment for you.
Interventional cardiologists handle heart problems using special tools, such as catheters and wires. Some common issues they deal with are:
- Coronary artery disease : When blood vessels supplying the heart get narrowed or blocked.
- Peripheral artery disease: Similar to coronary artery disease, but affecting blood vessels outside the heart.
- Aortic aneurysms: Bulging in the main blood vessel of the body.
- Valvular heart disease: When heart valves don’t work right.
- Atrial fibrillation: When the upper part of the heart beats irregularly.
Some of the procedures that interventional cardiologists perform are:
- Angioplasty: Using a small balloon to open up blocked blood vessels.
- Stenting: Putting in a tiny tube to support narrowed blood vessels.
- Atherectomy: Removing plaque from blood vessel walls with a small tool.
- Thrombectomy: Getting rid of blood clots from blood vessels using a small device.
Interventional Cardiologists focus on making sure blood flows smoothly through your body. They may order tests like CT scans of coronary arteries, echocardiograms, MRIs, or X-rays to check how your heart and blood vessels are doing. It’s all about keeping your blood moving like it should!
