Interventional cardiology is a cardiac specialty that provides catheter-based, less-invasive diagnosis and treatment of various heart diseases.
Each year, UPMC cardiologists perform thousands of catheter-based coronary interventional procedures.
UPMC serves as a regional referral center, offering immediate, 24/7 access to experienced interventional cardiologists. And for patients who need additional care, UPMC offers the full spectrum of cardiovascular surgical services.
Interventional cardiology is a cardiac specialty that uses catheter-based, less-invasive techniques to diagnose and treat heart disease.
Interventional cardiologists treat a range of cardiac conditions, including:
People with emergency and non-emergency cardiac conditions can benefit from interventional cardiology care. In addition to delivering high success rates, interventional cardiology offers benefits including:
Interventional cardiology procedures use catheters, which are threaded through a small incision into your blood vessel and guided to your heart. Cardiac surgery is an open procedure performed through a larger incision in your chest to allow direct access to your heart.
UPMC offers 24/7 access to interventional cardiologists who provide advanced services including:
Emergency cardiac catheterization saves lives. When a patient is admitted with signs of a heart attack, the Emergency Department immediately activates a special process called Code STEMI. This notifies the cardiac catheterization team, the on-call cardiologist, and the Cardiac Care Unit to expect a patient and prepare to begin treatment.
Patients are then taken to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, where the team can perform an angioplasty. Angioplasty is a procedure in which a balloon-tipped catheter is inserted through an artery in the groin. It is then guided through the artery to the site of the blockage. After the catheter is in place, the balloon is inflated to remove the blockage causing the heart attack and restore normal blood flow. A stent may also be placed at this time if the physician feels that it is necessary to keep the artery from closing again.
The most common interventional cardiology procedure is called catheterization. It involves inserting a sheath into your groin or wrist artery. Your doctor will then pass a catheter to your heart to open your blocked artery with balloon (angioplasty). Your doctor may also place a metal sleeve called a stent to prop open the artery.
Our doctors can also open artery blockages other than in the heart, including in the neck, kidney, and legs, without the need for surgery.
Cardiac catheterization is also a commonly used diagnostic procedure. This procedure involves threading a small catheter—a long, thin, flexible, hollow tube—through a vein or artery in the groin. A technician injects dye into the catheter and takes moving x-ray pictures, or angiograms, of the dye as it travels to the heart.
UPMC offers the full spectrum of advanced interventional therapies:
Cardiac catheterization is the most common procedure performed by interventional cardiologists.
Our team of interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and other experts will create a comprehensive plan to manage your condition and reduce your risk of complications.
To prepare for your visit, you will be asked to provide:
If you get a referral from your primary care doctor or another physician, they may be able to provide your test results and medical records to our team.
When you arrive for your first appointment, you'll meet with a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. He or she will ask about your medical history and perform an exam.
We'll give you a:
Your health care provider will explain your treatment options based on how long you've had symptoms, your condition, and your health history.
Together, you will design and agree on a care plan.
Your care team may also:
Our team will schedule follow-up appointments to check if your treatment has been effective. You should contact our office if:
Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-10-01.
