Differentiating between Interventional Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery
Interventional Cardiology Specialities
Tests Ordered in Interventional Cardiology
Interventional Cardiology Procedures
Interventional Cardiology Meaning
Interventional cardiology is a branch of cardiology that specializes in diagnosing & treating cardiovascular diseases using minimally invasive procedures. It involves the use of catheters (thin tubes) and other medical devices to access the heart & blood vessels, allowing interventional cardiologists to perform diagnostic tests & therapeutic interventions.
Differentiating between Interventional Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery
In comparison to cardiothoracic surgery, interventional cardiology focuses on nonsurgical, catheter-based procedures, while cardiothoracic surgery involves surgical interventions on the heart & thoracic (chest) cavity. Interventional cardiology is less invasive and generally associated with shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times compared to cardiothoracic surgery.
Interventional Cardiology Specialities
A provider in interventional cardiology specializes in the diagnosis & treatment of various cardiovascular conditions using minimally invasive techniques. They have extensive knowledge & experience in performing cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, stenting, and other interventional procedures.
Tests Ordered in Interventional Cardiology
Some of the tests that an interventional cardiologist may perform, or order include the following:
- Cardiac catheterization: This procedure involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel and guiding it to the heart to evaluate its structure and function.
- Coronary angiography: It is a type of X-ray test that uses a contrast dye injected through a catheter to visualize the coronary arteries and identify blockages or narrowing.
- Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS): This test uses a tiny ultrasound probe attached to a catheter to obtain detailed images of the inside of the blood vessels.
- Fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement: It measures blood pressure and flow in specific coronary arteries to determine if a blockage is causing reduced blood flow.
Interventional Cardiology Procedures
These procedures include the ones given as under:
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI): Commonly known as angioplasty, this procedure involves inserting a catheter with a balloon at the tip into a blocked coronary artery. The balloon is then inflated to widen the artery and restore blood flow. In many cases, a stent (a small mesh tube) is also placed to keep the artery open.
- Coronary artery stenting: It involves placing a stent in a narrowed or blocked coronary artery to improve blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): This procedure is used to replace a narrowed aortic valve without open-heart surgery. A catheter is used to implant a new valve, which is expanded and positioned within the diseased valve.
- Structural heart interventions: These procedures involve repairing or replacing defects or abnormalities in the structure of the heart, such as atrial septal defect closure, patent foramen ovale closure, or transcatheter mitral valve repair.
Common Procedure Performed in Interventional Cardiology
The most common procedure performed in interventional cardiology is percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), which includes angioplasty & stenting. It is used to treat coronary artery disease, relieve angina (chest pain), and restore blood flow to the heart.
Diseases/Conditions Treated in Interventional Cardiology
Interventional cardiology is primarily focused on the diagnosis & treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including the ones given below:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disorders
- Congenital heart defects
- Peripheral artery disease
- Certain types of heart failure
Doctor Arun Is a Sincere Interventional Cardiologist
So, once you have understood interventional cardiology meaning, it is important to note that the specific practice setting can vary depending on the healthcare system and country. Feel yourself fortunate to be in close proximity with Doctor Arun, who is a worthy specialist in this field, and you can always get in touch with his expert team to get his appointment for any symptoms related to heart.
