Interventional Cardiology

Interventional cardiology uses catheter-based techniques to evaluate, diagnose, and treat conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute is a state-of-the-art practice with offices in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Plant City, Wesley Chapel and Riverview, Florida, where their cardiologists perform interventional cardiology procedures. Schedule a consultation by calling the office nearest you or request one online today.

What is interventional cardiology?

Interventional cardiology is a specialized area of cardiovascular medicine that uses non-surgical, catheter-based procedures to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions. Interventional cardiologists are cardiologists with advanced training in these procedures.

The interventional cardiologists at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute insert catheters (thin, flexible tubes) into your blood vessels, advancing them to the heart or damaged blood vessels. Then, they use specialized tools to evaluate and treat the condition.

Can interventional cardiology replace my cardiac surgeon?

Your interventional cardiologist at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute works with your cardiac surgeon to determine the best treatment for you. Interventional cardiology can diagnose and treat:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
• Heart valve disease
• Heart abnormalities
• Atrial fibrillation

Interventional cardiologists can’t perform surgery. If you have a cardiovascular condition that requires surgery, then you need to visit a cardiac surgeon. 

What are interventional cardiology procedures?

Interventional cardiology procedures include diagnostic tests and advanced treatments. Examples of interventional cardiology procedures are as follows:

Cardiac catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is an imaging procedure that evaluates the structure of your heart.

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)

An IVUS is an ultrasound imaging test that looks at your blood vessels from the inside.  

Angioplasty and stent placement

Angioplasty and stent placement are procedures that treat coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD), improving blood flow through narrow or blocked arteries.

Atherectomy

An atherectomy uses a special tool to remove plaque from the wall of a narrowed or blocked artery.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

TAVR is an interventional cardiology procedure that replaces the aortic valve in patients with aortic stenosis (narrow aortic valve).

MitraClip™ procedure

The MitraClip procedure treats mitral valve regurgitation, a mitral valve that doesn’t fully close, allowing blood to flow backward. The MitraClip is a device that stops the backflow of blood.  

Watchman™ procedure

The Watchman procedure is for people with atrial fibrillation at risk of developing blood clots. It involves the placement of a device in the left atrial appendage (LAA) that prevents blood from pooling and clotting.

Patent foramen ovale closure

The patent foramen ovale closure is a catheter-based procedure that closes a hole in the wall of the heart. 

Atrial septal defect closure  

Atrial septal defect closure is another interventional cardiology procedure that closes a hole in the heart. 

Your specialist at Florida Heart Institute talks to you about the interventional cardiology procedure you need so you know what to expect.

Call Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute or book an appointment online today to learn more about interventional cardiology.